intelligence

[in-tel-i-juhns]

noun

1. the capacity, especially of a particular person or animal, for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; relative aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, meanings, etc..

   I want my daughter’s teachers to nourish her intelligence and curiosity.

   Natasha was a chimpanzee of remarkable intelligence, a “genius” among her species.

2. the demonstration or application of a high mental capacity.

   He writes with intelligence and wit.

   Synonyms: penetration, aptitude, acumen, reason, discernment
   Antonyms: stupidity

3. the faculty of understanding, learning, or reasoning, considered generally.

   Are there hard limits to human intelligence?

   Some questions must be addressed not only with the intelligence but also with the heart.

4. a particular aspect of the ability to perceive, understand, learn, and handle problems, as used in a specified way, area of life, activity, etc..

   The study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on organizational learning.

   I have no mechanical intelligence whatsoever.

5. new or current knowledge or information, such as about specific events, conditions, trends, etc..

   Feeds from 26 mall cameras are analyzed to provide vendors with actionable intelligence about shopping patterns.

6. the gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information.

   I’ve decided to pursue a career in intelligence.

   His areas of focus include business intelligence, data management, and investment research.

7. Government.

   1. information about an enemy or a potential enemy.

      We now have new intelligence about terrorist activity in the country.

   2. the evaluated conclusions drawn from such information.

   3. an organization or agency engaged in gathering such information.

      She works for military intelligence.

8. interchange of information.

   They have been maintaining intelligence with foreign agents for years.

9. Christian Science.,  a fundamental attribute of God, or infinite Mind.

10. Often Intelligence an intelligent being or spirit, especially one without a physical body, such as an angel or Supreme Being.

    He believes there is a creative Intelligence behind the universe.

intelligence

/ ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. the capacity for understanding; ability to perceive and comprehend meaning

2. good mental capacity

   a person of intelligence

3. old-fashioned,  news; information

4. military information about enemies, spies, etc

5. a group or department that gathers or deals with such information

6. (often capital) an intelligent being, esp one that is not embodied

7. (modifier) of or relating to intelligence

   an intelligence network

Other Word Forms

• hyperintelligence noun
• nonintelligence noun
• preintelligence noun
• superintelligence noun
• intelligential adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent- (stem of intellegēns intelligent ) + -ia, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligence¹

C14: from Latin intellegentia, from intellegere to discern, comprehend, literally: choose between, from _inter- + legere to choose

Synonym Study

See mind.

Example Sentences

Exactly how illegal is it to kill civilians in international waters based on secret intelligence?

From Salon

Another big worry for writers has been artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times

A US intelligence report found Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved his murder.

From BBC

Tech companies are cutting jobs in preparation for a possible recession, as well as anticipating efficiencies gained from artificial intelligence, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Oregon-based advisory services firm Enderle Group.

From Los Angeles Times

Forces were deploying "all of our capabilities in response to what has happened" and were working closely with security services to ensure we have a "full intelligence picture", he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• acumen 
• agility 
• brilliance 
• intellect 
• judgment 
• perception 
• quickness www.thesaurus.com
• savvy 
• sense 
• skill 
• subtlety 
• understanding 
• wit