ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intel

n.
US //ˌɪnˈtɛɫ// in·tel
  1. 1 secret information (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    secret or useful information that is collected about a person, group, or country.

    information of military, political, or strategic value, often gathered through surveillance or undercover operations.

    Example

    The team gathered some intel on their rivals before the big game.

    Example

    The field agents provided actionable intel regarding the insurgent group's movements, allowing the command center to adjust their strategy in real time.

    Usage

    Uncountable; it does not take a plural form or an indefinite article.

    Teacher's tip

    While it originated in military contexts, it is now very common in business and sports to mean 'competitive information about the competition'.
Origin

Clipping of intelligence.

Word family

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