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Definition of intellectualize

intellectualize

/ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.ə.laɪz/
(UK: intellectualise)
in · tel · lec · tu · al · ize
Adverb:intellectually
•
Adjective:intellectual
•
Past Simple:intellectualized
•
Past Participle:intellectualized
•
Present Participle:intellectualizing
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intellectualize Lexical Profile

intellectualize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give an intellectual character to something, or to examine and discuss a subject in purely rational, abstract, or theoretical terms.

Example

"The director tends to intellectualize every scene, turning a simple family drama into a philosophical debate."

2

To use excessive reasoning and abstract analysis so as to block out or avoid confronting uncomfortable emotions or psychological stress (in psychology).

Example

"During therapy, he realized he tended to intellectualize his grief rather than allowing himself to feel the loss."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for intellectualize

• Nearby Words

intellect
intellectual
intellectuality
intellectualize
intellectually
intelligence
intelligent

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from the adjective 'intellectual' and the verbal suffix '-ize', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'intellectus' ('understanding' or 'perception'), from 'intelligere' ('to understand').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Intellectualize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/intellectualize
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