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

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

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

The funding is the latest example of how the frenzy around artificial intelligence has been shining a spotlight on San Francisco, the home of major tech companies such as Salesforce and ChatGPT maker OpenAI.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The other was sentenced to 10 years in prison for spying for France, five years for conspiring against national security and 20 years in exile for being complicit in intelligence co-operation with Israel.

Read more on BBC

And a flurry of deals from privately held OpenAI to secure chips used to power artificial intelligence has also raised concerns over a valuation bubble in the world’s hottest technology trade.

Read more on Barron's

Artificial intelligence External link has its tentacles in many sectors of the economy beyond big tech, including heavy machinery.

Read more on Barron's

The world’s biggest retailer has already incorporated plenty of cutting-edge technology in its business, including artificial intelligence tied to product discovery and recommendations.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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