in·tel·li·gen·tsia /ɪnˌtɛləˈʤɛntsijə, ɪnˌtɛləˈgɛntsijə/ noun
[singular] : a group of intelligent and well-educated people who guide or try to guide the political, artistic, or social development of their society — usually used with the ▪ Her new book has been embraced by the intelligentsia. ▪ His proposals were ridiculed by the intelligentsia. ◊Intelligentsia can be used with either a singular or plural verb.
▪ The intelligentsia has/have embraced her new book.
▪ The intelligentsia has/have embraced her new book.
