Word
Definitions
01mental ability
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability to learn, understand, and use information to solve problems.
n. the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, and problem-solving. Uncountable in this general sense.
“The test is designed to measure a child's natural intelligence rather than what they learned in school.”
“Modern researchers argue that emotional intelligence is just as critical for professional success as traditional cognitive abilities.”
02secret information
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. secret information collected about a foreign country or an enemy.
n. information of military or political value, especially that which is gathered through surveillance or undercover operations.
“The government received intelligence about a possible attack on the city.”
“The agency was criticised for failing to share actionable intelligence with local law enforcement before the security breach occurred.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun in this context.
Synonyms
03a secret agency
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an organisation or department that collects secret information.
n. a department or agency responsible for the collection and analysis of strategic information.
“He spent twenty years working for British intelligence in various countries.”
“The intelligence community remains divided on how to handle the rise of encrypted communication among non-state actors.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'intelligence officer'.
Synonyms
04computing/AI
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Technical
n. the ability of a computer or machine to copy human thinking.
n. the simulation of human cognitive processes by machines, especially computer systems.
“Many people are worried that artificial intelligence will take over their jobs.”
“The rapid advancement of generative intelligence has forced academic institutions to rethink their traditional assessment methods.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in the compound 'artificial intelligence'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “intelligence” in context.
Adjective
01. general intelligence
“The test is designed to measure your general intelligence rather than specific skills.”
adj + noun
02. human intelligence
“Computers are becoming smarter, but they still cannot fully replicate human intelligence.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - FBI data allegedly stolen by the hacking group ShinyHunters carries granular detail about scores of bureau officials’ job assignments, including sensitive work against Chinese spies, Russian intelligence, drug cartels, and more, Reuters has found.” “MADRID, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Spanish intelligence services warned their Moroccan counterparts and Madrid of migrants' plans to storm Ceuta a day before more than 70,000 people crossed into Spain's North African enclave, according to documents released by the government on Wednesday.” “WASHINGTON, June 2 (Reuters) - The CIA has stopped contributing to some intelligence assessments, including those related to the Iran war, produced by the office of the nation's top spy as disputes over intelligence-sharing and areas of responsibility boil over, say people familiar with the matter.” “WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - Iran's government has been degraded since the war began on February 28, but it appears to be intact and Tehran and its proxies remain capable of attacking U.S. and allies' interests in the Middle East, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Wednesday.” Etymology
From Middle English intelligence, from Old French intelligence, from Latin intelligentia, which is from inter- (“between”) + legere (“to choose, pick out, read”), from Proto-Italic *legō (“to care”). Doublet of intelligentsia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0