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:

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  • 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

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