Anti-intellectualism is a term that is often used to describe a bias or hostility towards intellectuals and intellectual pursuits. It is a phenomenon that has been observed in various forms throughout history and in different parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and associations of the term “anti-intellectualist.”
Definitions
The term “anti-intellectualist” can be defined as someone who is opposed to or hostile towards intellectualism, which is the belief in the importance of knowledge, education, and rational thought. An anti-intellectualist may reject intellectual pursuits in favor of practical or emotional concerns, or may view intellectuals as elitist or disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people.
Origin
The term “anti-intellectualism” was first used in the late 19th century in the United States, in response to a perceived decline in intellectualism and a rise in populism and anti-elitism. The term became more widely used in the 20th century, particularly in the context of political and cultural debates.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an anti-intellectual is “a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and intellectualism.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines anti-intellectualism as “opposition to or hostility towards intellectuals or intellectual pursuits.”
Associations
Anti-intellectualism is often associated with certain political or cultural movements, such as populism, nationalism, and religious fundamentalism. It is also associated with a distrust of experts and a preference for “common sense” or intuition over reason and evidence.
Synonyms
Synonyms for anti-intellectualist include philistine, ignoramus, and know-nothing. These terms all imply a lack of appreciation for intellectual pursuits or a rejection of intellectualism.
Antonyms
Antonyms for anti-intellectualist include intellectual, scholar, and thinker. These terms all imply a respect for knowledge and a commitment to intellectual pursuits.
The same root words
The root words of anti-intellectualist are “anti,” which means against, and “intellectual,” which refers to someone who values knowledge and education. Other words that share the same root include “anti-establishment,” “anti-authoritarian,” and “anti-globalization.”
Example Sentences
- The rise of anti-intellectualism in politics is a worrying trend.
- Some people view intellectuals as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people, which contributes to anti-intellectualism.
- Anti-intellectualism can be seen in the rejection of scientific evidence on issues such as climate change and vaccination.
- The anti-intellectualism of certain religious fundamentalist groups has led to a rejection of scientific and historical knowledge.
- It is important to combat anti-intellectualism and promote a culture of learning and critical thinking.