Words / B1

in-TEL-ij-uh-ns/ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/

Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and think: a test of intelligence; high intelligence; intelligence and memory. Cleverness is more informal; knowledge is facts you have, not the ability itself. Intelligent is the adjective. Intelligence also means secret information in news English: military intelligence — a second meaning. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a common collocation. Uncountable: not “an intelligence” for the ability. An intelligence test measures reasoning, not just facts.

Meaning

The ability to learn, understand, and think.

Examples

• “The test measures intelligence, not just memory.”
• “Artificial intelligence is changing how offices work.”
• “She is known for her intelligence and calm under pressure.”

Good to know

high intelligence. Adjective: intelligent. Facts: knowledge. Informal: cleverness. News: military intelligence. Tech: artificial intelligence.

Near in meaning

intellect

New