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.: crystallized intelligence ( def ), fluid intelligence ( def ).

   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

Derived Forms

• inˌtelliˈgential, adjective

Other Word Forms

• hy·per·in·tel·li·gence noun
• non·in·tel·li·gence noun
• pre·in·tel·li·gence noun
• su·per·in·tel·li·gence 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

Here and there it asks you to credit something a little beyond belief, without insulting the show’s emotional intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an optimistic view of the future that’s arriving at a time of disruption in Hollywood, from shake-ups due to the streaming market to artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times

Listen to Press for a moment and the depth of her wisdom, experience and intelligence is obvious.

From Los Angeles Times

There will be be more drones and autonomous systems, as well as other technologies harnessing software and artificial intelligence, to speed up battlefield decisions.

From BBC

To fight this, the Ministry of Defence must embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robots and lasers, the review recommends.

From BBC

Related Words

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