emotional intelligence

noun

: the ability to recognize, understand, and deal skillfully with one's own emotions and the emotions of others (as by regulating one's emotions or by showing empathy and good judgment in social interactions)

A large part of emotional intelligence is being able to think about and empathize with how other people are feeling. This often involves considering how you would respond if you were in the same situation.

—Kendra Cherry

We know that young children learn to identify, explain, and regulate their emotions, but we know much less about how children learn these things. They undoubtedly acquire some of their emotional intelligence from adults–—parents, teachers, and coaches, for example.

—Lawrence T. White

… thousands of workers during the "Great Resignation" discovered a new road map to success: being able to recognize and walk away from abusive situations. … Empathy, respectfulness and emotional intelligence are hallmarks of leaders for whom people enjoy working.

—Karla L. Miller

—abbreviation EI

called also emotional quotient

Examples of emotional intelligence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not every student has access to these beneficial programs, but one initiative is aiming to ensure that young Black adults are equipped for all aspects of the workplace, especially the important emotional intelligence aspect. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024

As a result, more than emotional intelligence, empathy enables leaders to discriminate among emotions and utilize the information to influence decision-making, focusing on what to do and how to do it. —Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Their adaptability, mentorship skills, and refined leadership, often complemented by strong work ethics, emotional intelligence, and crisis management abilities, are pivotal contributors to organizational wisdom and success—these soft skills anchor team dynamics. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024

On the third floor of an old building, Book Punch is an independent store whose selection includes literary fiction, poetry and children’s books on emotional intelligence; staff members thank their customers by giving them vegetables or snacks. —Tiffany May, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024

Mastering the art of balancing public perception and emotional intelligence is crucial. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Beyond talent and core competence, having the emotional intelligence to know the nuances that are in play helps women in no small measure to break the proverbial glass ceiling. —Abiola Salami, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

That will eventually make EQ, or emotional intelligence, more important than IQ. —Will Daniel, Fortune Asia, 28 Mar. 2024

According to a 2019 report from the Harvard Business School, 90% of what sets high performers apart is attributed to emotional intelligence, which correlates strongly with likability. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above