intelligent
27 synonyms and 3 antonyms for intelligent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having or showing a strong ability to learn, reason, and understand.
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 intelligent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin intellegens, "discerning, understanding," present participle of intellegere.
Full origin of intelligent →Frequently asked questions
What does “intelligent” mean?
The word “intelligent” means having or showing a strong ability to learn, reason, and understand. In plain terms, quick-thinking, sharp, and good at understanding or reasoning things out.
How do you pronounce “intelligent”?
“Intelligent” is pronounced ihn-TEH-lihd-zhuhnt (/ɪnˈtɛlɪd͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “intelligent” in a sentence?
Here is “intelligent” used in a sentence: “She gave an intelligent answer that impressed the interviewers.”
What is another word for “intelligent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “intelligent” include astute, brainy, bright, brilliant, clever and educated.
What is the opposite of “intelligent”?
The opposite of “intelligent” — its antonyms — are stupid, dumb and unintelligent.
What part of speech is “intelligent”?
“Intelligent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “intelligent” come from?
The word “intelligent” comes from Latin. From Latin intellegens, "discerning, understanding," present participle of intellegere.
Is “intelligent” a common word?
“Intelligent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'intelligent' and 'smart'?
Both describe mental ability, but 'intelligent' is more formal and emphasises the capacity to learn, reason, and understand, while 'smart' is more informal and can also mean quick-witted or shrewd. In everyday speech the two overlap heavily.
What is the difference between 'intelligent' and 'clever'?
'Intelligent' suggests a deep ability to reason and understand, while 'clever' often implies quick, practical ingenuity, sometimes with a hint of slyness. A clever solution is inventive; an intelligent one is well-reasoned.
What is the difference between 'intelligent' and 'wise'?
'Intelligent' refers to the ability to learn and reason, while 'wise' refers to good judgment gained through experience. An intelligent person can process information quickly, but a wise person knows how best to use it.