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

What separates those who get hired from those who don’t often comes down to emotional intelligence, humility and the ability to collaborate. —John M. O'Connor, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Speak about the skills businesses value most, adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence and support programs that teach them alongside academics. —Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025

Fanning — a young performer long admired for her precision and emotional intelligence on screen — brings a quiet ache and layered restraint to the role. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025

Intentional dating is rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emotional intelligence

• counterintelligence