anti-intellectual

[ an-tee-in-tl-ek-choo-uhl, an-tahy‑ ]

noun

1. a person opposed to or hostile toward intellectuals and the modern academic, artistic, social, religious, and other theories associated with them.
2. a person who believes that intellect and reason are less important than actions and emotions in solving practical problems and understanding reality.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of anti-intellectuals or their beliefs.

Other Words From

• an·ti-in·tel·lec·tu·al·ism noun
• an·ti-in·tel·lec·tu·al·is·tic adjective
• an·ti-in·tel·lec·tu·al·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anti-intellectual¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Today’s Republicans are largely anti-intellectual fascists, which explains why you do not see many of them as faculty or in leadership roles at good colleges or universities.

From Salon

Many of us are anti-intellectual and don't want to think.

From Salon

Protestantism in the US south tends to have a strong anti-intellectual background.

From BBC

Yes, at least five of the nine board members were linked to Moms for Liberty, a right-wing "astroturf" organization that has orchestrated a national campaign to remake public education along arch-conservative and anti-intellectual lines.

From Salon

For David Brooks to blame the educated — using the code word "elite"— is disingenuous and only serves to further the long history of anti-intellectual prejudice in America.

From Salon