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Is the word intelectual the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammar of the word "intelectual" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and clearly articulated, and the rhythm is more syllable-timed. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often reduced or "swallowed" (a phenomenon called vowel reduction). For example, a Portuguese person might pronounce the "e" in "intelectual" so softly that it is almost silent, making the word sound more like "int'lectual," whereas a Brazilian would pronounce the "e" more distinctly.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele é um intelectual muito respeitado. (He is a very respected intellectual.)
  2. Ela dedica sua vida ao trabalho intelectual. (She dedicates her life to intellectual work.)
  3. As crianças precisam de estímulo intelectual. (The children need intellectual stimulation.)
  4. O intelectual está no ônibus. (The intellectual is on the bus.)
  5. Tivemos um debate intelectual sobre o trem. (We had an intellectual debate about the train.)

European Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele é um intelectual muito respeitado. (He is a very respected intellectual.)
  2. Ela dedica a sua vida ao trabalho intelectual. (She dedicates her life to intellectual work.)
  3. Os miúdos precisam de estímulo intelectual. (The kids need intellectual stimulation.)
  4. O intelectual está no autocarro. (The intellectual is on the bus.)
  5. Tivemos um debate intelectual sobre o comboio. (We had an intellectual debate about the train.)