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intellectualism

Syllabification: (in·tel·lec·tu·al·ism)
Definition of intellectualism

noun

  • the exercise of the intellect at the expense of the emotions.
  • Philosophy the theory that knowledge is wholly or mainly derived from pure reason; rationalism.

Derivatives

intellectualist

noun

Origin:

early 19th century (as a term in philosophy): from intellectual, on the pattern of German Intellektualismus

intellectualism in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of intellectualism in the British & World English dictionary
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