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

Her journey through Harvard Law not only highlights this Water sign’s resilience and determination but also underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in achieving personal growth and success. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

Strategies that emphasize human connection, a collective purpose, and emotional intelligence are proving to be just as crucial as those centered on fiscal prudence. —Finnian Kelly, TIME, 8 July 2024

Things like her emotional intelligence with an innate ability to understand how anyone was feeling. —Mia Carella, Parents, 24 June 2024

These emotional stereotypes present a double bind for parents hoping to help their children develop emotional intelligence and autonomy. —Pragya Agarwal, Scientific American, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above