Main Entry: in·tel·li·gent

Pronunciation: \in-ˈte-lə-jənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin intelligent-, intelligens, present participle of intelligere, intellegere to understand, from inter- + legere to gather, select — more at legend

Date: 1509

1 a : having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity b : revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : skillful
2 a : possessing intelligence b : guided or directed by intellect : rational
3 a : guided or controlled by a computer; especially : using a built-in microprocessor for automatic operation, for processing of data, or for achieving greater versatility — compare dumb 7 b : able to produce printed material from digital signals <an intelligent copier>

— in·tel·li·gen·tial \-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-shəl\ adjective

— in·tel·li·gent·ly \-ˈte-lə-jənt-lē\ adverb

synonyms intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick. intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems <an intelligent person could assemble it fast>. clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities <clever with words>. alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding <alert to new technology>. quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge <no match for his quick-witted opponent>.