intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s 

1

a(1)

: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason

also : the skilled use of reason

(2)

: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)

b

: mental acuteness : shrewdness

c

Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind

2

a

: information, news

b

: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area

also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

3

: the act of understanding : comprehension

4

: the ability to perform computer functions

5

a

: intelligent minds or mind

cosmic intelligence

b

: an intelligent entity

especially : angel

Synonyms

• brain(s)
• brainpower
• gray matter
• headpiece
• intellect
• intellectuality
• mentality
• reason
• sense
• smarts

Examples of intelligence in a Sentence

She impressed us with her superior intelligence.

a person of average intelligence

gathering intelligence about a neighboring country's activities

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden administration unveils new evidence of RT’s key role in Russian intelligence operations globally Prior to Monday’s ban, RT had 7.2 million followers on Facebook and 1 million followers on Instagram. —Sean Lyngaas, CNN, 17 Sep. 2024

Big Deal Artificial intelligence’s use in financial analysis will deliver significant productivity gains to investors but widen the gap between winners and losers, according to a new report from Moody’s. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2024

The Biden administration declassified new evidence that Russian state media network RT is fully integrated into Russia's intelligence operations. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024

Hezbollah members recently began using the pagers that exploded after the group's leader ordered them to stop using cell phones over concern that Israeli intelligence could track the devices. —Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing intelligence

• artificial intelligence
• emotional intelligence
• generative artificial intelligence
• insult someone's intelligence
• intelligence quotient
• intelligence test

Kids Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

: the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : reason

2

a

: news sense 1a

b

: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy

also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

Medical Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

a

: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations

b

: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)

2

: mental acuteness

intelligent

in-ˈtel-ə-jənt 

adjective

intelligently adverb