emotional intelligence

noun

: the ability to recognize, understand, and deal skillfully with one's own emotions and the emotions of others (as by regulating one's emotions or by showing empathy and good judgment in social interactions)

A large part of emotional intelligence is being able to think about and empathize with how other people are feeling. This often involves considering how you would respond if you were in the same situation.

—Kendra Cherry

We know that young children learn to identify, explain, and regulate their emotions, but we know much less about how children learn these things. They undoubtedly acquire some of their emotional intelligence from adults–—parents, teachers, and coaches, for example.

—Lawrence T. White

… thousands of workers during the "Great Resignation" discovered a new road map to success: being able to recognize and walk away from abusive situations. … Empathy, respectfulness and emotional intelligence are hallmarks of leaders for whom people enjoy working.

—Karla L. Miller

—abbreviation EI

called also emotional quotient

Examples of emotional intelligence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But as the years went on, something else stood out: His emotional intelligence and sense of self. —Elise Devlin, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

As this visionary leader emphasizes, without self-awareness, leaders can’t attentively listen to others, and their lack of emotional intelligence creates environments where team members don’t feel heard or valued. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

These last winter days are met with emotional intelligence and intensity. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Love helps stimulate feelings of selflessness and emotional intelligence. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emotional intelligence

• counterintelligence