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

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

Professor: Erin Darden, Class: Emotional Intelligence 101 For emotional quotient (EQ) coach Erin Darden, her journey with emotional intelligence started as something personal. —Fallon Brannon, refinery29.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Smith believes that in a world in which AI tools are growing increasingly powerful in performing mechanical tasks, soft skills like clear communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to defuse conflict are more important than ever. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

Known for her emotional intelligence and discipline, Contessa’s career in military medicine required her to make life-or-death decisions in high-pressure situations, a trait that easily carried over to her time on Married to Medicine. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above