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View synonyms for intelligence

intelligence

[ in-tel-i-juhns ]

noun

  1. the capacity, especially of a particular person or animal, for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; relative aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, meanings, etc.:

    I want my daughter’s teachers to nourish her intelligence and curiosity.

    Natasha was a chimpanzee of remarkable intelligence, a “genius” among her species.

  2. the demonstration or application of a high mental capacity:

    He writes with intelligence and wit.

    Synonyms: penetration, aptitude, acumen, reason, discernment

    Antonyms: stupidity

  3. the faculty of understanding, learning, or reasoning, considered generally:

    Are there hard limits to human intelligence?

    Some questions must be addressed not only with the intelligence but also with the heart.

  4. a particular aspect of the ability to perceive, understand, learn, and handle problems, as used in a specified way, area of life, activity, etc.: crystallized intelligence ( def ), fluid intelligence ( def ).

    The study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on organizational learning.

    I have no mechanical intelligence whatsoever.

  5. new or current knowledge or information, such as about specific events, conditions, trends, etc.:

    Feeds from 26 mall cameras are analyzed to provide vendors with actionable intelligence about shopping patterns.

  6. the gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information:

    I’ve decided to pursue a career in intelligence.

    His areas of focus include business intelligence, data management, and investment research.

  7. Government.
    1. information about an enemy or a potential enemy:

      We now have new intelligence about terrorist activity in the country.

    2. the evaluated conclusions drawn from such information.
    3. an organization or agency engaged in gathering such information:

      She works for military intelligence.

  8. interchange of information:

    They have been maintaining intelligence with foreign agents for years.

  9. Christian Science. a fundamental attribute of God, or infinite Mind.
  10. Often Intelligence. an intelligent being or spirit, especially one without a physical body, such as an angel or Supreme Being:

    He believes there is a creative Intelligence behind the universe.



intelligence

/ ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns /

noun

  1. the capacity for understanding; ability to perceive and comprehend meaning
  2. good mental capacity

    a person of intelligence

  3. old-fashioned.
    news; information
  4. military information about enemies, spies, etc
  5. a group or department that gathers or deals with such information
  6. often capital an intelligent being, esp one that is not embodied
  7. modifier of or relating to intelligence

    an intelligence network

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • inˌtelliˈgential, adjective
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Other Words From

  • hy·per·in·tel·li·gence noun
  • non·in·tel·li·gence noun
  • pre·in·tel·li·gence noun
  • su·per·in·tel·li·gence noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligence1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent- (stem of intellegēns intelligent ) + -ia, noun suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligence1

C14: from Latin intellegentia, from intellegere to discern, comprehend, literally: choose between, from inter- + legere to choose
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Synonym Study

See mind.
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Example Sentences

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, has been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the U.S. intelligence community.

From Salon

While Trump had long been expected to pick an "outsider" for the role of national intelligence director, some elected officials were still caught off-guard by the selection of someone who has no formal intelligence experience.

From Salon

But one senior former intelligence official told Politico that allies like Israel would still have "serious qualms" about Gabbard.

From Salon

In a statement announcing her selection, Trump said that Gabbard would bring a “a fearless spirit” to the intelligence agencies and secure “peace through strength.”

From Salon

"This is a disaster for US security & alliances. Of all Trump's decisions so far, might be the worst. Tulsi Gabbard has consistently parroted pro-Putin propaganda. Director of National Intelligence is a critical position for which she has absolutely no experience and skill," Thomas Judeau, professor at the University of Ottawa, wrote in an X post.

From Salon

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intellectual propertyintelligence agency