intelligence
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the ability to learn, understand, and use information to solve problems.
the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, and problem-solving. Uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“The test is designed to measure a child's natural intelligence rather than what they learned in school.”
In context“Modern researchers argue that emotional intelligence is just as critical for professional success as traditional cognitive abilities.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
secret information collected about a foreign country or an enemy.
information of military or political value, especially that which is gathered through surveillance or undercover operations.
Simple“The government received intelligence about a possible attack on the city.”
In context“The agency was criticised for failing to share actionable intelligence with local law enforcement before the security breach occurred.”
UsageOften functions as an uncountable noun in this context.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
an organisation or department that collects secret information.
a department or agency responsible for the collection and analysis of strategic information.
Simple“He spent twenty years working for British intelligence in various countries.”
In context“The intelligence community remains divided on how to handle the rise of encrypted communication among non-state actors.”
UsageOften used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'intelligence officer'.
Synonymssecret serviceagency - 04 B1 Intermediate
the ability of a computer or machine to copy human thinking.
the simulation of human cognitive processes by machines, especially computer systems.
Simple“Many people are worried that artificial intelligence will take over their jobs.”
In context“The rapid advancement of generative intelligence has forced academic institutions to rethink their traditional assessment methods.”
UsageAlmost exclusively used in the compound 'artificial intelligence'.
Synonyms
Usage intelligence chief · intelligence company · intelligence officer
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.