in·tel·li·gen·tsia

/ınˌtɛləˈʤɛntsijə, ınˌtɛləˈgɛntsijə/ 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.