intellectualismPronunciation: /ɪntɪˈlɛktʃʊəlɪz(ə)m/Definition of intellectualism noun [mass 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 intellectualism in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of intellectualism in the US English dictionary