intelligence

in·tel·li·gence

noun \in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s\

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

Examples of INTELLIGENCE

1. She impressed us with her superior intelligence.
2. a person of average intelligence
3. gathering intelligence about a neighboring country's activities

Origin of INTELLIGENCE

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INTELLIGENCE

Synonyms

brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece, intellect, intellectuality, mentality, reason, sense, smarts

Related Words

eggheadedness, highbrowism, intellectualism; braininess, brilliance; acumen, alertness, apprehension, astuteness, discernment, discriminability, insight, judgment (or judgement), perception, percipience, perspicacity; common sense, horse sense, mother wit; aptitude, talent; sagacity, sapience, wisdom, wit; head, mind, skull

Near Antonyms

denseness, density, doltishness, dopiness, dullness (also dulness), dumbness, fatuity, feeblemindedness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, imbecility, senselessness, simpleness, slowness, stupidity

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

in·tel·li·gence

noun \in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

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