intel
intel
Pronunciation
Here is a breakdown of the word "intel."
Phonetic Spelling
The IPA phonetic spelling for intel is /ˈɪn.tɛl/.
Syllable 1: in- (/ɪn/)
The /ɪ/ sound is the short 'i' as in "sit" or "pin."
The /n/ sound is as in "no" or "sun."
Syllable 2: -tel (/tɛl/)
The /t/ sound is as in "top" or "cat."
The /ɛ/ sound is the short 'e' as in "bet" or "tell."
The /l/ sound is as in "log" or "call."
Word Form Variations
intel is an uncountable noun. As an informal shortening of "intelligence" (in the sense of information), it is treated like the words "information" or "luggage."
Singular: intel
Plural: intel (It is typically used in the singular form even when referring to multiple pieces of information, e.g., "We gathered all the intel.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
(Informal) Secret or classified information, especially concerning an enemy, rival, or opponent; short for "intelligence."
Example: "The spy was sent to gather intel on the enemy's plans."
(Informal) Any useful or important information, data, or details about a specific subject.
Example: "I need to get some intel on this new company before my job interview."
Synonyms: information, data, facts, findings, reports, info, intelligence, details, the low-down, tip-off, leak
Antonyms: misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, fabrication, falsehood, lie
Examples of Use
In Books
Military Thriller: "The assault team would remain at the target until the intel guys had finished... Their job was to download every file, photograph every document, and exploit every bit of intel they could find." (From The Terminal List by Jack Carr)
Science Fiction: "We've got basic intel... but we don't know the layout of the complex or what kind of security systems they have in place. We're going in blind." (From Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey)
In Newspapers & Online Publications
Military News: "The official stated that the operation was a success, based on the intel gathered by reconnaissance drones monitoring the area." (The Washington Post)
Political Reporting: "Aides have been gathering intel on the rival candidate's platform, looking for weaknesses they can exploit during the debate." (Politico)
Business/Tech Journalism: "Tech blogs are constantly digging for intel on Apple's next product release, piecing together leaks from the supply chain." (The Verge)
In Entertainment
Television (Spy Drama): In a show like Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, an analyst might say, "This intel just came in from our asset in Moscow. It confirms the location of the arms deal."
Film (Action/Heist): "Okay team, listen up. Our tech specialist has the intel. The vault's security system reboots every night at 2:17 AM. That's our window."
Video Games (Military Shooter): In a game like Call of Duty, a character might shout, "We've captured the enemy intel! Bring it back to base!" or "Search that building for any intel we can use."
In General Public Discourse
Office/Workplace: "Does anyone have intel on the new CEO? I'm curious about her management style."
Social Media: "Going to the new restaurant downtown tonight. Anyone have intel on what to order?"
Casual Conversation: "What's the intel? Are we still meeting for dinner, or has the plan changed?"
10 Famous Quotes Using Intel
"Good intel is the start of any successful operation." (Commonly attributed to Tom Clancy's The Division)
"In this line of work, intel is ammunition."
"We've captured the enemy intel!" (Common phrase in the Call of Duty franchise)
"Our strategy must be based on solid intel, not on hope."
"All our intel on this guy has been wrong from the start."
"This operation failed because the intel was compromised."
"Get me any intel you can on their supply lines; I want to know what they're having for breakfast."
"Our marketing department relies on accurate intel about consumer behavior."
"The intel is clear: the target is in the compound."
"My source confirmed the intel; the package is moving tonight."
Etymology
In easy-to-understand terms, the word intel is simply a shortened, informal version of the word intelligence.
Its origin is a very common process in language called "clipping," where people shorten a long word to make it quicker and easier to say. This happens all the time (like "info" for "information" or "doc" for "doctor").
However, "intel" doesn't come from the primary meaning of "intelligence" (as in "being smart"). It comes from the specific, separate meaning of "intelligence" that refers to "secret information, especially about an enemy or competitor."
This specific use of "intelligence" has been around for centuries, but the shortened version, intel, is much more recent.
First Known Use & Meaning: The word "intel" first appeared as military and espionage slang around the mid-20th century (circa 1950s-1960s). It became popular during the Cold War, a time when spy agencies and armies needed a quick, casual term for the secret information they were constantly gathering. Its original meaning was exactly what it is today: "secret information" or "valuable data."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Intel
Here is a list of common phrases using the word "intel," supplemented by idioms that convey a similar meaning.
Phrases Using "Intel"
Gather intel: The process of collecting information.
Good intel / Solid intel: Reliable, accurate, or high-quality information.
Bad intel: False, outdated, or unreliable information.
Actionable intel: Information that is specific and useful enough to act upon.
Fresh intel: Very new or recently acquired information.
Intel briefing: A meeting to present the latest information.
Intel drop: A delivery or release of secret information.
Running on bad intel: Making decisions based on incorrect information.
Idioms and Phrases with a Similar Meaning
Get the low-down: To get the true, important facts about something.
Get the inside scoop: To get exclusive information not known to the public.
Word on the street: The latest rumors or general opinion (similar to public intel).
Straight from the horse's mouth: To get information directly from the primary source.
Keep an ear to the ground: To be actively listening and paying attention to gather intel or rumors.
A little bird told me: A discreet way of saying you received intel from a secret source.
On the grapevine: To hear intel or rumors through an informal, person-to-person chain.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of intel from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
