noun
Common
intel
IHN-tehl
Intel (noun) means informal word for intelligence — secret or useful information gathered about a situation. Example: “Does anyone have any intel on which route the delivery vans will take?”
noun
1
Informal word for intelligence — secret or useful information gathered about a situation.
"Aaaaaand that’s pretty much everything we know about Zazie and David’s ‘ship, but definitely check back here for any and all intel on the couple. ❤️"
— Gretty Garcia, Zazie Beetz and David Rysdahl’s Relationship Timeline All in One Place (2024)
"Does anyone have any intel on which route the delivery vans will take?"
"The scouts brought back useful intel about the weather on the mountain."
"“The Bynar ship went missing on stardate 58934.9.” “Okay, so your intel is legit, but this still feels like a trick.” “No. I'm a changed computer. Just look at me. Do you see the blue light?” “The light is reassuring.”"
— Edgar Momplaisir, A Few Badgeys More (2023)
"Intel is important in espionage."
"We got some solid intel on the competitor's launch plans."
How to use intel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual shorthand for gathered information, especially secret or strategic info.
When to use it
Informal; common in military, business, and gaming contexts, but not used in formal writing.
Common pairings
gather intel
good intel
intel on
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Does anyone have any _____ on which route the delivery vans will take?
Etymology
A shortened form of "intelligence."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “intel” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “intel”?
“Intel” is pronounced IHN-tehl (/ˈɪnt.ɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “intel” in a sentence?
Here is “intel” used in a sentence: “We got some solid intel on the competitor's launch plans.”
What part of speech is “intel”?
“Intel” is a noun.
Is “intel” a common word?
“Intel” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between intel and intelligence?
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.
Is intel appropriate in formal writing?
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.
Is intel countable or uncountable?
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.
When should intel be capitalized?
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.
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