intelligence
n.-
1 mental ability (n.) B1 Intermediatethe 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.
ExampleThe test is designed to measure a child's natural intelligence rather than what they learned in school.
ExampleModern researchers argue that emotional intelligence is just as critical for professional success as traditional cognitive abilities.
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2 secret information (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesecret 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.
ExampleThe government received intelligence about a possible attack on the city.
ExampleThe 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.
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3 a secret agency (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatean organisation or department that collects secret information.
a department or agency responsible for the collection and analysis of strategic information.
ExampleHe spent twenty years working for British intelligence in various countries.
ExampleThe 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'.
- secret service
- agency
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4 computing/AI (n.) B1 Intermediate Technical Computingthe ability of a computer or machine to copy human thinking.
the simulation of human cognitive processes by machines, especially computer systems.
ExampleMany people are worried that artificial intelligence will take over their jobs.
ExampleThe rapid advancement of generative intelligence has forced academic institutions to rethink their traditional assessment methods.
UsageAlmost exclusively used in the compound 'artificial intelligence'.
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.