What does intelligence mean?
Intelligence is the ability to learn, reason, understand, and use knowledge effectively. In everyday conversation, it often describes a person's mental sharpness, adaptability, or capacity to solve difficult problems, as in someone praised for showing great intelligence at work. The term can also mean information gathered about a person, organization, or country, especially when that information is collected systematically for political, military, or security purposes. Its implications depend on context: general intelligence is usually complimentary, while references to intelligence agencies or intelligence operations may suggest secrecy, surveillance, or national security. Related forms include intelligent, meaning able to understand or behave intelligently, and intelligible, meaning easy to understand. Together, these meanings reflect a central idea: intelligence connects the acquisition of information with the ability to interpret it and act upon it.
nounThe ability to acquire and apply knowledge, reason, and solve problems, especially in a way that demonstrates adaptability and insight. In political and military contexts, it also means information gathered about another country, organization, or group.
- The capacity to learn, reason, understand, and apply knowledge.
- Information or insight about a particular subject, situation, or person.
- The gathering and analysis of information concerning foreign governments, organizations, or security threats.
"Her sharp intelligence helped the team identify the error before it became a serious problem."
"The study showed that sleep improves memory and general intelligence."
"The report provides intelligence on the movements of the opposition group."
"The agency specializes in military intelligence and threat assessment."
The plural is relatively uncommon and is used mainly for separate pieces of information or for different kinds or forms of intelligence, especially in formal or political contexts.
"The report contains several intelligences on the group's plans."
Intelligence is not just about knowing facts; it is about making sense of them and putting them to effective use.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intelligence come from?
The word comes from Latin intellegere, meaning 'to understand' or 'to discern,' formed from inter- and legere, 'to gather, choose, or read.' It entered English in the late Middle English period in the sense of understanding or intellectual ability. The modern senses connected with information gathering developed through the language of statecraft and military affairs, where intelligence designated knowledge collected about an adversary or situation.
Related word forms
How intelligence is actually used
The word is broadly neutral in general use, although it can imply rapid learning and adaptability. In political, journalistic, and security contexts, it often refers to organized information collection or analysis, sometimes with an emphasis on classified or sensitive material.
Easily confused with intelligence
Intelligence is the broader capacity to reason, learn, and solve problems, whereas intuition is an understanding or insight that seems to arise without deliberate reasoning.
Intelligence is a mental or informational capacity, while intelligible describes something that can be understood.