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

Some companies are using AI insights to train managers in emotional intelligence, turning the technology into a mirror that reflects where human skills fall short. —Fares Ahmad, The Conversation, 20 Nov. 2025

My focus on emotional intelligence has been an ongoing evolution that continues to serve me well. —Ndamukong Suh, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

My role is to create a culture where these worlds can merge, where rigorous data and emotional intelligence coexist and where precision and imagination are equally valued. —Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025

It's been associated with lower levels of emotional intelligence in small children, for example, and can make both parent and child feel less connected to one another. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emotional intelligence

• counterintelligence