What is intelligence? Pronunciation and usage in English

intelligence means . Learn how to pronounce and use intelligence through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of intelligence

intelligencenoun

/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒ(ə)ns/
Definition & pronunciation of intelligence

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "intelligence" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into three syllables:

  • in-
  • tel-li-
  • gence

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • in: Pronounced just like the letter "in" – /ɪn/ (short "i" sound)
  • tel: Pronounced like "tell" – /tɛl/ (The 't' is relatively hard and the 'el' sounds like the beginning of "bell")
  • li: Pronounced like "lee" – /li/ (short "i" sound, as in "light")
  • gence: This is the trickiest part! It's often mispronounced. Here's how to get it right:
    • gen: Pronounced like "jen" – /dʒɛn/ (the "g" is soft, like in "gem")
    • -ce: Pronounced like "s" – /s/ (a very quick, barely noticeable "s" sound)
    • -nce: Pronounced like "ns" – /ns/ (a nasal sound – feel the vibration in your nose)

3. Putting it all together:

The full pronunciation is approximately: in-tell-i-gence

4. A helpful tip: Think of "intelligence" as "in-tell-i-gense." The "gense" part is key!

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Usage and examples with the word intelligence in English

Let's break down how to use the word "intelligence" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and applications. Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. General Definition: The Ability to Understand & Learn

  • Core Meaning: At its most basic, "intelligence" refers to the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. It’s about being able to think, learn, understand, and solve problems.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a high level of intelligence." (Referring to her overall cognitive ability)
    • "Early childhood education is crucial for developing a child's intelligence." (Focusing on the development of the ability to learn)
    • "He used his intelligence to solve the complex puzzle." (Highlighting the use of cognitive skills)

2. Referring to a Person's Intellectual Capacity (Cognitive Intelligence - often IQ)

  • Common Usage: We often use "intelligence" to describe someone's mental abilities. This is closely associated with IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests.
  • Examples:
    • "The psychologist tested his intelligence with a series of standardized tests."
    • "She's exceptionally bright and has a natural intelligence."
    • "His low score on the intelligence test was surprising."
  • Related Words: Brainpower, mental acuity, cognitive ability, sharp, bright.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Modern Context: "Intelligence" is frequently used when discussing computer systems and robots that are designed to mimic human thought processes.
  • Examples:
    • “Researchers are working to develop artificial intelligence that can learn and adapt.”
    • “The intelligence of the chatbot is impressive.”
    • “This new software utilizes advanced intelligence algorithms.”

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

  • A Different Kind of Intelligence: This refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and to recognize and influence the emotions of others. It's about social skills, empathy, and self-awareness.
  • Examples:
    • “He demonstrated strong intelligence by recognizing the team's frustration and offering support.”
    • “Improving your emotional intelligence can help you build stronger relationships.”
    • “Intelligence isn't just about book smarts; emotional intelligence is equally important.”

5. Intelligence (as in Espionage/Secret Services - Sometimes Colloquial)

  • Less Common Usage: In a more informal way, "intelligence" can sometimes refer to information gathered by spies or intelligence agencies (though "information" is often a better choice in formal contexts).
  • Example: "The agency relied on intelligence from foreign sources." (More formal: "The agency relied on information...")

Important Considerations & Nuances:

  • Intelligence vs. Smart: While often used interchangeably, "smart" is more informal and generally refers to quickly grasping concepts or being good at specific tasks. "Intelligence" is a broader term relating to overall cognitive ability.
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "intelligence" depends heavily on the context in which it is used.
  • Avoid Overuse: Saying someone is “very intelligent” repeatedly can sound redundant. Vary your vocabulary.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., an essay, a casual conversation, a technical report)
  • In what context are you using the word "intelligence"? (e.g., discussing a person's abilities, referring to AI, etc.)

Synonyms for the word intelligence

Practice with vocabulary intelligence

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Successful leadership often requires not only strong analytical skills but also emotional __________.
  2. The military _________ unit was tasked with gathering sensitive information about enemy movements.
  3. His exceptional __________ for languages allowed him to become fluent in three different tongues within a year.
  4. Developing critical thinking skills is crucial for sound decision-making and a deeper __________ of complex issues.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following qualities are often associated with high cognitive ability in problem-solving? a) Empathy b) Intelligence c) Artistic flair d) Ingenuity e) Strategic thinking

  2. When describing a person's capacity for learning, understanding, and applying knowledge, which terms are appropriate? a) Wisdom b) Acumen c) Intelligence d) Naivety e) Creativity

  3. In a business context, what might "market intelligence" refer to? a) A company's internal knowledge base b) Information about competitors' strategies c) Data on consumer preferences and trends d) The company's overall financial health e) Insights into future market opportunities

  4. Which of these attributes are most valuable for an innovator or inventor? a) Diligence b) Compliance c) Creativity d) Originality e) Subservience

  5. What qualities are essential for someone who can quickly grasp complex situations and make sound judgments? a) Perceptiveness b) Indecisiveness c) Discernment d) Superficiality e) Rigidity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His ability to quickly understand and solve difficult mathematical problems is remarkable. Rewrite using a form of "intelligence":
  2. The agency's primary mission is to collect and analyze secret information for national security. Rewrite using a form of "intelligence":
  3. She has an extraordinary knack for making very good and quick decisions in difficult business situations. Rewrite without using "intelligence" or its related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Successful leadership often requires not only strong analytical skills but also emotional intelligence.
  2. The military intelligence unit was tasked with gathering sensitive information about enemy movements.
  3. His exceptional aptitude for languages allowed him to become fluent in three different tongues within a year.
  4. Developing critical thinking skills is crucial for sound decision-making and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Intelligence, d) Ingenuity, e) Strategic thinking
  2. a) Wisdom, b) Acumen, c) Intelligence, e) Creativity
  3. b) Information about competitors' strategies, c) Data on consumer preferences and trends, e) Insights into future market opportunities
  4. a) Diligence, c) Creativity, d) Originality
  5. a) Perceptiveness, c) Discernment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His intelligence in quickly understanding and solving difficult mathematical problems is remarkable. (Alternative: He possesses remarkable intelligence in quickly understanding and solving difficult mathematical problems.)
  2. The agency's primary mission is intelligence gathering and analysis for national security. (Alternative: The agency focuses on intelligence operations to collect and analyze secret information for national security.)
  3. She has an extraordinary acumen for making very good and quick decisions in difficult business situations. (Alternative: She demonstrates remarkable discernment in making very good and quick decisions in difficult business situations.)

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