What does intelligently mean?
Intelligently means in a way that uses intelligence, sound judgment, and careful understanding to achieve a good result. It is commonly used with decisions, responses, analyses, and the use of resources: a person acts intelligently when they choose a course of action for clear reasons and consider what is likely to work. The word carries a positive evaluation and suggests practical wisdom rather than cleverness for its own sake. It can apply to people, organizations, systems, and even animals, although the more typical use describes deliberate human behavior. In everyday writing, “sensibly” or “wisely” may sound less formal, while “shrewdly” can suggest a more strategic or opportunistic kind of cleverness. Intelligently is especially useful when describing conduct that is thoughtful, informed, and effective.
adverbIn a way that shows intelligence, sound judgment, or effective understanding. It describes an action or decision made with care, reason, and awareness of what is appropriate.
- In a way that demonstrates intelligence, sound judgment, or effective understanding.
"She intelligently redirected the conversation toward the practical consequences of the proposal."
"The students intelligently compared the sources before drawing a conclusion."
"A well-designed system can intelligently allocate resources as demand changes."
Intelligence becomes useful when it is applied intelligently: understanding is only the beginning, good judgment puts it into action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intelligently come from?
The adverb comes from “intelligent,” which was borrowed into English from Latin intellegens, a form of intellegere, meaning “to understand” or “to discern.” The Latin verb combines intel- (“between” or “among”) with legere (“to gather, choose, or read”), originally conveying the act of picking out or discerning what is significant. The adjective “intelligent” was established in English by the early 17th century, and the adverb “intelligently” developed from it. Related English words include “intelligence,” “intelligible,” and “intellection,” all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How intelligently is actually used
This adverb is formal or professional in tone but is also natural in general prose. It usually implies that an action is not merely clever but also sensible, effective, and well judged.
Easily confused with intelligently
“Intelligently” describes how someone acts, whereas “intelligible” describes something that can be understood.