Intelligentsia - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
The intelligentsia refers to a social class of educated individuals, such as intellectuals, academics, and artists, who influence cultural or political thought. They are often seen as leaders in shaping public opinion.
Definition:
The educated elite who engage in intellectual and cultural pursuits, often influencing society.
Synonyms:
intellectuals, literati, cognoscenti, elite
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
proletariat, uneducated masses
Common Collocations:
Russian intelligentsia, urban intelligentsia, political intelligentsia
Derivatives:
intelligent, intelligence
Usage Tips:
Use "intelligentsia" to refer to a group of intellectuals shaping cultural or political discourse.
Common Phrases:
the liberal intelligentsia, the ruling intelligentsia, the cultural intelligentsia
Etymology:
Derived from Russian "интеллигенция," borrowed from Latin "intelligentia," meaning understanding or knowledge.
Examples:
- 1. The intelligentsia often leads debates on social reform.
- 2. Many writers and artists belong to the intelligentsia of their time.
- 3. The intelligentsia played a key role in the country's revolution.
- 4. She criticized the intelligentsia for being out of touch with ordinary people.