intelligence
Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge or skills to solve problems and adapt to new situations. It can also refer to the collection of secret information, especially regarding military or political matters.
Examples
3 of 5His emotional intelligence helps him navigate complex social situations easily.
His ability to understand and manage emotions allows him to handle difficult social interactions well.
The report contains intelligence concerning the security of the national borders.
The document includes secret information regarding the safety of the country's borders.
You need some street intelligence if you're going to travel across the city alone.
You need practical, real-world knowledge to travel safely through the city by yourself.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Intel' (the computer chip company). A chip provides the 'intelligence' or the processing power for the computer to work.
Quick Quiz
Scientists are concerned about the rapid development of artificial _______ and its impact on the job market.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intelligence
Examples
His emotional intelligence helps him navigate complex social situations easily.
everydayHis ability to understand and manage emotions allows him to handle difficult social interactions well.
The report contains intelligence concerning the security of the national borders.
formalThe document includes secret information regarding the safety of the country's borders.
You need some street intelligence if you're going to travel across the city alone.
informalYou need practical, real-world knowledge to travel safely through the city by yourself.
The study explores the correlation between fluid intelligence and cognitive aging.
academicThe research examines the relationship between the ability to solve new problems and the aging of the mind.
Our firm uses competitive intelligence to stay ahead of emerging market trends.
businessOur company gathers data about competitors to remain successful in the changing market.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Artificial Intelligence
The simulation of human intelligence by machines.
Intelligence gathering
The process of collecting information for security purposes.
Central Intelligence
The main agency responsible for national security information.
Often Confused With
Intelligence refers to mental capacity, whereas intelligibility refers to how easily speech or writing can be understood.
Intellect is the specific faculty of reasoning and objective thought, while intelligence is a broader ability to apply knowledge.
Usage Notes
When referring to mental ability, 'intelligence' is usually an uncountable noun. When referring to a government agency or secret data, it is often used in a collective sense.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to pluralize it as 'intelligences' when describing one person's brainpower; it should remain singular as an abstract concept.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Intel' (the computer chip company). A chip provides the 'intelligence' or the processing power for the computer to work.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'intelligentia', coming from 'intelligere', which means to understand, perceive, or choose between.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, intelligence has traditionally been measured by IQ tests, though theories of 'multiple intelligences' (creative, social, etc.) are becoming more popular.
Quick Quiz
Scientists are concerned about the rapid development of artificial _______ and its impact on the job market.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intelligence
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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