intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈte-lə-jənt How to pronounce intelligent (audio)
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 : smart sense 7c compare dumb sense 7
b
: able to produce printed material from digital signals
an intelligent copier
intelligential adjective
intelligently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for intelligent

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

Examples of intelligent in a Sentence

She asked some intelligent questions. He's a hard worker but he's not very intelligent.
Recent Examples on the Web Intelligent Data Infrastructure Specifically styling itself as an (or, indeed, the) intelligent data infrastructure company, NetApp has announced new work in its collaboration with industry partners designed to accelerate AI innovation. Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 The brainchild of American astronomer Carl Sagan, the plaques were etched with a visual message – including a naked man and woman and a schematic of our Solar System – in case one of the craft bumped into intelligent extraterrestrial life on its travels. New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024 Equipped with an intelligent liquid cooling system to lower consumption by over 30%, SunGiga addresses the excess heat generated by energy storage systems to ensure enhanced performance and energy density. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley: The intelligent and hot-tempered Buckley who formerly oversaw the fishery’s finances and, like her father, has allowed alcohol to ruin her bright future. Joe Otterson, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intelligent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intelligent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intelligent was circa 1540

Dictionary Entries Near intelligent

Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligent. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

intelligent

adjective
in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈtel-ə-jənt How to pronounce intelligent (audio)
1
a
: possessing intelligence
humans are intelligent beings
b
: showing a higher than average degree of intelligence
an intelligent student
c
: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought
an intelligent decision
2
: able to perform computing tasks : controlled by a computer
an intelligent terminal
intelligently adverb

Legal Definition

intelligent

adjective
in·​tel·​li·​gent
: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity
especially : having or indicating an understanding of the nature and consequences of an act or decision
a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel
compare knowing

Note: Under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a waiver of rights must be knowing and intelligent.

intelligently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intelligent

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