intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈte-lə-jənt 

1

a

: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity

b

: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : skillful

2

a

: possessing intelligence

b

: guided or directed by intellect : rational

3

a

: guided or controlled by a computer

especially : smart sense 7c compare dumb sense 7

b

: able to produce printed material from digital signals

an intelligent copier

intelligential

in-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-shəl 

adjective

intelligently

in-ˈte-lə-jənt-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• alert
• brainy
• bright
• brilliant
• clever
• exceptional
• fast
• hyperintelligent
• keen
• nimble
• quick
• quick-witted
• sharp
• sharp-witted
• smart
• supersmart
• ultrasmart

Choose the Right Synonym for intelligent

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick.

intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

Examples of intelligent in a Sentence

She asked some intelligent questions.

He's a hard worker but he's not very intelligent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Together, these advanced AI platforms democratize technological innovation, enabling employees to leverage intelligent tools without extensive technical expertise. —Dean Debiase, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The kids fall into familiar types: The rebellious and clever girl, Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong); the intelligent skeptic, KB (Kyriana Kratter); the adventurous boy lacking forethought, Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers); and the comic relief, alien Neel (Robert Timothy Smith). —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Jordan is extremely intelligent and works well as a leader, independently and cooperatively helping other students in class, especially those struggling. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Dec. 2024

That requires a certain amount of very intelligent imagination. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin intelligent-, intelligens, present participle of intelligere, intellegere to understand, from inter- + legere to gather, select — more at legend

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing intelligent

• hyper-intelligent
• intelligent design
• intelligent life

Kids Definition

intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈtel-ə-jənt 

1

a

: possessing intelligence

humans are intelligent beings

b

: showing a higher than average degree of intelligence

an intelligent student

c

: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought

an intelligent decision

2

: able to perform computing tasks : controlled by a computer

an intelligent terminal

intelligently adverb

Legal Definition

intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent

: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity

especially : having or indicating an understanding of the nature and consequences of an act or decision

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

compare knowing

Note: Under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a waiver of rights must be knowing and intelligent.

intelligently adverb