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

In the final weeks, U.S. intelligence officials have attributed to Russia multiple fake videos alleging election fraud in presidential swing states. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

Russia, in particular, has been pushing false conspiracies that election officials are coordinating fraud, intelligence officials said. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

In recent weeks, Ukrainian, South Korean, and Western intelligence agencies have reported that North Korea is deploying around 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia to support President Vladimir Putin's war machine. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

If Europe better shares the burden of logistics, armor, intelligence, and infantry, the United States will have an easier time guaranteeing European peace and unity with its overbearing nuclear and naval might. —Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 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