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

Dino, the toy’s AI, does everything from telling bedtime stories and answering questions to helping kids build emotional intelligence and healthy habits. —William Mullane, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024

As a result, employers now prioritize qualities that machines cannot replicate, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

People with high emotional intelligence (EI) manage stress better and are generally more productive. —Israa Nasir, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024

Thanks to its wit, abundant dad jokes, and emotional intelligence, Bluey has won over a massive audience and is also the year’s No. 1 streaming series among total U.S. viewers, per Nielsen data taken through November. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above