How to Pronounce Intellectual

To pronounce "intellectual", say INT-ell-ect-ual — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌɪntəˈlɛk(t)ʃʊəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

intellectual

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˌɪntəˈlɛk(t)ʃʊəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “intellectual”

"intellectual" has 4 syllables: int-ell-ect-ual. It rhymes with ineffectual, if that helps it stick.

What does intellectual mean?

noun

An intelligent, learned person, especially one who discourses about learned matters.
The intellect or understanding; mental powers or faculties.

adjective

Belonging to, or performed by, the intellect; mental or cognitive.
“intellectual powers, activities, etc.”
Endowed with intellect; having the power of understanding; having capacity for the higher forms of knowledge or thought; characterized by intelligence or mental capacity
“an intellectual person”

Synonyms

highbrow

Antonyms

nonintellectual

Hear “intellectual” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with intellectual

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ineffectual

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "intellectual"?▾

"Intellectual" has 4 syllables: int · ell · ect · ual.

What is the IPA transcription of "intellectual"?▾

The IPA transcription of "intellectual" is /ˌɪntəˈlɛk(t)ʃʊəl/.

What does "intellectual" mean?▾

Intellectual: An intelligent, learned person, especially one who discourses about learned matters.

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