intelligence

noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s\

: the ability to learn or understand things or to deal with new or difficult situations

: secret information that a government collects about an enemy or possible enemy; also : a government organization that collects such information

Full Definition of INTELLIGENCE

a (1) : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason; also : the skilled use of reason (2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)

b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind

c : mental acuteness : shrewdness

a : an intelligent entity; especially : angel

b : intelligent minds or mind <cosmic intelligence>

: the act of understanding : comprehension

a : information, news

b : information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

: the ability to perform computer functions

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Origin of INTELLIGENCE

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INTELLIGENCE

Synonyms: brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece, intellect, intellectuality, mentality, reason, sense, smarts

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

INTELLIGENCE Defined for Kids

intelligence

noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈte-lə-jəns\

Definition of INTELLIGENCE for Kids

: the ability to learn and understand <The test measures intelligence.>

: secret information collected about an enemy or a possible enemy

Medical Dictionary

intelligence

noun in·tel·li·gence \in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s\

Medical Definition of INTELLIGENCE

a : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations b : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)

: mental acuteness

—in·tel·li·gent \in-ˈtel-ə-jənt\ adjective

—in·tel·li·gent·ly adverb