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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Telecoms have a key role to play in the blossoming of generative artificial intelligence, which requires vast quantities of data to circulate swiftly, reliably and securely over operators' networks.

From Barron's

"We support the use of AI for lawful foreign intelligence and counterintelligence missions," Amodei said.

From BBC

How can traditional software companies stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence?

From The Wall Street Journal

Fintech company Block said Thursday that it’s cutting more than 4,000 workers or nearly half of its workforce as artificial intelligence disrupts the way people work.

From Los Angeles Times

He began Anthropic because he believed that artificial intelligence could be just as dangerous as it could be powerful if we aren’t careful, and wanted a company that would prioritize the careful part.

From Los Angeles Times