First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
intelligence
noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s\
: the ability to learn or understand things or to deal with new or difficult situations
: secret information that a government collects about an enemy or possible enemy; also : a government organization that collects such information
Full Definition of INTELLIGENCE
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 (as tests) b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c : mental acuteness : shrewdness
2
a : an intelligent entity; especially : angel b : intelligent minds or mind <cosmic intelligence>
3
: the act of understanding : comprehension
4
a : information, news b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information
5
: the ability to perform computer functions
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Origin of INTELLIGENCE
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent
Related to INTELLIGENCE
- Synonyms
- brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece, intellect, intellectuality, mentality, reason, sense, smarts
Other Psychology Terms
INTELLIGENCE Defined for Kids
intelligence
noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈte-lə-jəns\
Definition of INTELLIGENCE for Kids
1
: the ability to learn and understand <The test measures intelligence.>
2
: secret information collected about an enemy or a possible enemy
Medical Dictionary
intelligence
noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s\
Medical Definition of INTELLIGENCE
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
—in·tel·li·gent \in-ˈtel-ə-jənt\ adjective
—in·tel·li·gent·ly adverb
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