The word "intellectuals" is spelled with the letter combination "ct" pronounced as /kt/. This is because the "c" before the "t" is not pronounced as /s/ as it is in words like "cent" or "city", but rather as a hard "k" sound. The word is pronounced as /ˌɪn.təˈlek.tʃu.əlz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It refers to a group of people who are highly knowledgeable and have intellectual interests in fields such as art, literature, and science.
Intellectuals are individuals who actively engage in intellectual pursuits, characterized by their strong capacity for critical thinking, logical reasoning, and analysis of complex ideas and concepts. They are driven by a deep curiosity and desire to understand and explore various disciplines, including philosophy, science, literature, arts, politics, and social issues.
Intellectuals often possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their chosen field of specialization, which they strive to continuously expand through extensive reading, research, and scholarly activities. They are known for their ability to synthesize and articulate information and ideas, making meaningful contributions to academic and public discourse. Intellectuals can be found in various domains, including academia, journalism, politics, and the arts, where they enrich public debates and challenge prevailing ideas.
Beyond their specialized knowledge, intellectuals are also valued for their broader perspective on societal issues and their willingness to question conventional wisdom. They engage with society and its challenges, advocating for social justice and equity, and often challenging the status quo. Their influence extends beyond their individual work, as they contribute to shaping public opinion and advancing progress.
However, it is important to note that the term "intellectuals" can encompass a wide range of individuals with varying levels of expertise and perspectives. Despite this diversity, intellectuals are united by their commitment to intellectual rigor, critical inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge for both personal growth and societal improvement.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "intellectuals" has its roots in the Latin term "intellectus", which means "understanding" or "comprehension". It shares the same origin as the English word "intelligence". In the late 17th century, the term "intellectual" emerged in France to specifically refer to individuals engaged in the exercise of intellect and reasoning, often in the field of philosophy and literature. Over time, it came to represent individuals who were involved in intellectual pursuits and exerted influence over societal matters based on their knowledge and expertise. The plural form, "intellectuals", began to be widely used in the mid-19th century.