intelligence
intelligence
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for intelligence is /ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/.
in- /ɪn/: Includes a short "i" sound followed by a nasal "n."
-tel- /ˈtel/: The stressed syllable, featuring a "t" sound, a short "e" sound, and a liquid "l."
-li- /ɪ/: A short, unstressed "i" sound.
-gence /dʒəns/: Begins with a soft "g" (affricate "j" sound), followed by a schwa and a terminal "s" sound.
Word Form Variations
Noun: Intelligence (singular), intelligences (plural)
Adjective: Intelligent
Adverb: Intelligently
Verbs: There is no direct verb form of "intelligence" (e.g., "to intellect" is archaic/rare); however, related verbs include intellectualize or inform.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. Cognitive Ability: The capacity to acquire, process, and apply knowledge or skills to solve problems and adapt to new situations.
Synonyms: Intellect, brainpower, acumen, wit, comprehension.
Antonyms: Stupidity, ignorance, foolishness, inanity.
2. Collected Information: Strategic data or secret information gathered about an enemy, competitor, or area of interest, often for military or political purposes.
Synonyms: Data, reconnaissance, intel, findings, reports.
Antonyms: Disinformation, ignorance, concealment.
Adjective (Intelligent)
Descriptive of Mind: Possessing a high degree of mental capacity or showing sound judgment and thoughtfulness.
Synonyms: Bright, sharp, astute, clever, perceptive.
Antonyms: Dull, dense, slow-witted, unintelligent.
Adverb (Intelligently)
Manner of Action: Performing a task or making a decision in a way that shows good judgment, logic, or high mental ability.
Synonyms: Wisely, shrewdly, capably, logically, skillfully.
Antonyms: Foolishly, irrationally, blindly, haphazardly.
Examples of Use
Literature and Books
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it, yet it is the intelligence of the heart that truly governs our actions." (Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics)
"The question of whether machines can think is about as relevant as the question of whether submarines can swim; both require a specific kind of artificial intelligence to function." (Edsger W. Dijkstra, The Threats to Computing Science)
Newspapers and Journalism
"The central challenge for modern governments is the ethical oversight of artificial intelligence, ensuring that algorithms do not bake human bias into public policy." (The Guardian, January 2024)
"Recent failures in military intelligence have led to a complete restructuring of the department's data collection protocols ahead of the spring summit." (The New York Times, June 2023)
Online Publications and Digital Media
"In the era of big data, business intelligence tools are no longer a luxury but a necessity for startups trying to map consumer behavior in real-time." (Forbes, March 2025)
"Researchers have discovered that octopuses possess a decentralized intelligence, where each limb can essentially 'think' and react independently of the central brain." (National Geographic Online, November 2023)
Entertainment and Media
"The Turing Test is a benchmark for a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human." (Ex Machina, Film)
"We need to gather more intelligence on the outer rim territories before we commit the fleet to a jump." (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Film)
General Public Discourse and Technical Fields
"Emotional intelligence is often more predictive of career success than a high IQ, as it dictates how well an individual navigates social complexities."
"The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) relies on the assumption that other civilizations would use radio waves similarly to how we do."
10 Quotes Using Intelligence
"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." (Stephen Hawking)
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." (Albert Einstein)
"Action is the real measure of intelligence." (Napoleon Hill)
"I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing." (Socrates)
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." (Salvador Dalí)
"The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence." (Jiddu Krishnamurti)
"There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder." (Ronald Reagan)
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." (Henry Ford)
"The sign of an intelligent people is their ability to control their emotions by the application of reason." (Marya Mannes)
Etymology
The word intelligence has its roots in the Latin verb intelligere, which means "to understand," "to perceive," or "to choose between."
This Latin term is a combination of two smaller parts:
inter-: meaning "between."
legere: meaning "to choose," "to gather," or "to read."
Essentially, the word originally described the mental act of "reading between the lines" or being able to "choose" the best option from a group of possibilities. It suggested a person who could discern the truth by looking closely at the details.
Historical Timeline and First Use
Ancient Roots: The concept existed in Latin as intelligentia (understanding/knowledge) throughout the Roman era.
Middle English (14th Century): The word entered the English language in the late 1300s via Old French. During this period, it didn't just mean "smart." It was often used in a spiritual or philosophical sense to describe the highest level of understanding—the kind possessed by angels or the divine.
Expansion of Meaning: By the 1500s, the meaning broadened. People began using it to describe "the gathering of information" or "news," which eventually led to our modern use of the word in military and political contexts (such as "intelligence agencies").
First Known Use
The first recorded uses in English appear in the late 14th century, specifically in works like those of John Gower and Geoffrey Chaucer. At that time, it primarily referred to the faculty of understanding or the power of the mind to grasp abstract concepts.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Intelligence
Phrases and Idioms
Artificial Intelligence: The simulation of human cognitive processes by computer systems.
Emotional Intelligence: The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ): A theoretical score derived from standardized tests used to measure human intelligence.
Gather Intelligence: The act of collecting secret or strategic information, typically for military or competitive purposes.
Intelligence Briefing: A summary of current events and classified information provided to a high-ranking official.
A "Failure of Intelligence": A phrase used to describe a situation where a lack of information or a misunderstanding of data led to a mistake or disaster.
Actionable Intelligence: Information that can be acted upon immediately to gain an advantage or prevent a threat.
Business Intelligence: Strategies and technologies used by enterprises for the data analysis of business information.
Military Intelligence: A military discipline that uses information collection and analysis to provide guidance and direction to commanders.
A person of superior intelligence: A formal way to describe someone with exceptional mental faculties.
Idioms Using Synonyms
A meeting of the minds: A state of mutual understanding or agreement (synonym for collective intelligence).
Pick someone’s brains: To obtain information or ideas from someone who has more knowledge or intelligence on a subject.
Quick on the uptake: Being able to understand or learn things very quickly (intelligent).
Smart as a whip: Possessing a very quick and sharp intelligence.
Have your wits about you: To be constantly alert and intelligent in your reaction to situations.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of intelligence from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
