intelligence
18 synonyms and 32 antonyms for intelligence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge effectively.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use intelligence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin intelligentia, from intellegere, "to understand," built from inter- ("between") + legere ("to choose, gather").
Full origin of intelligence →Frequently asked questions
What does “intelligence” mean?
The word “intelligence” means the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge effectively. In plain terms, either mental sharpness/learning ability, or secret information collected about a threat.
How do you pronounce “intelligence”?
“Intelligence” is pronounced ihn-TEHL-ih-juhns (/ɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.d͡ʒəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “intelligence” in a sentence?
Here is “intelligence” used in a sentence: “Her intelligence was obvious from the way she solved the problem.”
What is another word for “intelligence”?
Words with a similar meaning to “intelligence” include brain, brains, cleverness, head, brightness and esprit.
What is the opposite of “intelligence”?
The opposite of “intelligence” — its antonyms — are blockheadedness, boneheadedness, density, denseness and dimness.
What part of speech is “intelligence”?
“Intelligence” is a noun.
Where does the word “intelligence” come from?
The word “intelligence” comes from Latin. From Latin intelligentia, from intellegere, "to understand," built from inter- ("between") + legere ("to choose, gather").
Is “intelligence” a common word?
“Intelligence” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between intelligence and wisdom?
Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge quickly and well. Wisdom is the good judgment to use that knowledge rightly, usually gained through experience. A person can be highly intelligent yet act unwisely, while a wise person may not be the quickest thinker but chooses well.
Can intelligence be measured?
It can be estimated with tests such as IQ tests, which score reasoning, memory, and problem-solving. But these capture only part of the picture and are widely debated, since intelligence also includes creativity, emotional insight, and practical skill — qualities that are real yet very hard to put into a single number.
What are the types of intelligence?
Psychologists describe many kinds. The theory of multiple intelligences lists forms such as logical, verbal, spatial, musical, bodily, and interpersonal intelligence. Emotional intelligence — understanding and managing feelings — is another widely used idea. The point is that people can be strong in some areas and weaker in others.
Does 'intelligence' have another meaning?
Yes. Besides mental ability, 'intelligence' means secret information gathered about an enemy, rival, or threat, along with the work of collecting it. This is the sense used by spies and by intelligence agencies such as the CIA and MI6, as in 'military intelligence' or 'intelligence reports.'
What is the difference between intelligence and knowledge?
Knowledge is the information and facts you have learned; intelligence is the capacity to acquire that information and apply it well. You can build knowledge through study and memory, but intelligence is the underlying ability that lets you understand, connect, and use what you know effectively.