# intelligence

/ˌɪnˈtɛɫədʒəns/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛlɪdʒəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intelligence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. mental ability

noun · CEFR B1

the ability to learn, understand, and use information to solve problems.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. secret information

noun · CEFR B2

secret information collected about a foreign country or an enemy.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a secret agency

noun · CEFR B2

an organisation or department that collects secret information.

For teachers: 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'.

### 4. computing/AI

noun · CEFR B1 · Technical

the ability of a computer or machine to copy human thinking.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- Dogs show a high level of intelligence when they learn new tricks.
- The test is designed to measure a child's basic intelligence rather than their specific knowledge of school subjects.
- Researchers debate whether human intelligence is a single general ability or a collection of distinct cognitive skills that operate independently across different domains.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.