intel

The word “intel” means informal word for intelligence — secret or useful information gathered about a situation. In plain terms, casual shorthand for gathered information, especially secret or strategic info.

“Intel” is pronounced IHN-tehl (/ˈɪnt.ɛl/ in IPA).

Here is “intel” used in a sentence: “We got some solid intel on the competitor's launch plans.”

“Intel” is a noun.

“Intel” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Intel is an informal clipping of intelligence in its "gathered information" sense — secret or useful information collected about a situation. You can gather intel on a rival's plans, but you cannot use intel to mean mental ability; only intelligence covers that meaning.

Intel is informal, so it suits conversation, fiction, casual journalism, and military or gaming slang. In formal reports and academic writing, intelligence or information is the safer choice.

Intel is uncountable: you gather some intel, good intel, or a piece of intel, never "an intel" or "intels." This mirrors intelligence, which is also uncountable in the information sense.

Written lowercase, intel is the informal word for gathered information. With a capital letter, Intel is the trademark of a well-known technology company, so capitalization genuinely changes the meaning.