intellectualize

[ in-tl-ek-choo-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.

1. to seek or consider the rational content or form of.
2. to make intellectual.
3. to analyze (something) intellectually or rationally.
4. to ignore the emotional or psychological significance of (an action, feeling, dream, etc.) by an excessively intellectual or abstract explanation.

verb (used without object)

, in·tel·lec·tu·al·ized, in·tel·lec·tu·al·iz·ing.

1. to talk or write intellectually; reason; philosophize:

   to intellectualize about world problems.

intellectualize

/ ˌɪntɪˈlɛktʃʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become intellectual
2. tr to treat or consider in an intellectual way; rationalize

Derived Forms

• ˌintelˌlectualiˈzation, noun
• ˌintelˈlectualˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• intel·lectu·al·i·zation noun
• intel·lectu·al·izer noun
• over·intel·lectu·al·i·zation noun
• over·intel·lectu·al·ize verb overintellectualized overintellectualizing
• semi-intel·lectu·al·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intellectualize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; intellectual + -ize

Example Sentences

There’s an element of it that’s intellectualizing, but it’s also getting to know the body and connecting to each other.

From Vox

The bent of Sir Joshua's mind was to elevate, to dignify, to intellectualize.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appreciate
• consider
• figure out
• judge
• ponder
• reflect
• resolve
• speculate
• study