intellectually
UK[ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəli]US[ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəli]
adv
in a way that relates to the ability to think in a logical way and understand complicated ideas
adv
in a way that is characterized by deep, serious thought rather than emotion or physical action
Morpheme Breakdown
intellect
ual
ly
intellect
mind
ual
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'intellectually' is built upon the core latin noun 'intellectus', which itself derives from the verb 'intelligere', meaning 'to understand' or 'to choose between'. this verb is a compound of 'inter-' (between) and 'legere' (to gather, choose, read), painting a picture of the mind's ability to discern and select among ideas. the suffix '-ual' transforms the noun into the adjective 'intellectual', pertaining to the intellect. finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' is appended, a common grammatical evolution in english to form adverbs from adjectives. thus, the modern adverb 'intellectually' encapsulates the manner of engaging with the world through the faculty of reason and understanding, a direct conceptual descendant of the ancient act of selective perception.
Analysis
Structure: intellect (mind) + ual (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
intellect (from latin intellectus, meaning 'understanding, perception', the noun-forming root); ual (from latin -alis, an adjective-forming suffix); ly (from old english -līce, an adverb-forming suffix).
Examples
she approached the problem intellectually rather than emotionally.
the book is intellectually stimulating and challenges the reader's assumptions.
he is intellectually gifted but sometimes lacks practical experience.