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

Wiener also this term passed a controversial housing bill that will increase density around transit hubs, and spearheaded a bill to regulate artificial intelligence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Artificial intelligence spending may be transforming the U.S. economy, but a lot of Americans don’t want the giant data centers anywhere near them.

Read more on Barron's

Artificial intelligence spending may be transforming the U.S. economy, but a lot of Americans don’t want the giant data centers anywhere near them.

Read more on Barron's

But they needed a backstop from the US, specifically in air defences, intelligence and operations, he said.

Read more on BBC

In recent months, the U.S. has expanded intelligence sharing with Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia and imposed steep tariffs on India, one of Russia’s top trading partners.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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