intellectual; person of learning
Refers to a person engaged in intellectual pursuits, often with a public role. Similar to インテリ, but 知識人 can carry a slightly more formal or established connotation.
See also: インテリ
He is known as one of the leading intellectuals of our time.
The intellectual spoke about social issues on TV.
He spoke out about politics in his capacity as an intellectual.
The policy became a subject of debate among intellectuals.
She was a figure representing the intellectuals of her era.