intelligence

American  

[in-tel-i-juhns] / ɪnˈtɛl ɪ dʒəns /

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.

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intelligence British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See mind.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of intelligence

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

Example Sentences

Artificial intelligence then automates personalized messages, posing as the candidate, to people at the target company.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Artificial intelligence does seem to be rather intelligent at coding,” said David Kelly, chief global strategist at J.P.

From The Wall Street Journal

Americans are understandably anxious about artificial intelligence, and politicians are eager to assuage their fears before the midterm elections.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Musk last week announced the merger of SpaceX with xAI, which will enlist artificial intelligence and machine learning in space exploration.

From The Wall Street Journal

She also has explored the privacy implications of artificial intelligence tools and what happens when connected gadgets reach the end of their lives.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acumen
• agility
• brilliance
• intellect
• judgment
• perception
• quickness
• savvy
• sense
• skill
• subtlety
• understanding
• wit