Intelligent vs. Intelligence: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Intelligent is an adjective describing someone or something as having intelligence, while intelligence is a noun referring to the capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding.
Key Differences
Intelligent and intelligence, while related in meaning, serve different grammatical roles. Intelligent is an adjective and is used to describe an entity that possesses the quality of intelligence. For instance, a student who excels in math might be called "intelligent." On the other hand, intelligence is a noun. It points to the actual ability or capacity for understanding, reasoning, and learning.
Delving deeper into usage, intelligent often qualifies a person, group, or even a machine. When we say a computer is intelligent, we mean it has features that emulate human-like thinking. Intelligence, meanwhile, can be quantified and discussed in degrees. People might debate the intelligence of certain animals or the collective intelligence of a community.
In broader contexts, intelligent can be employed figuratively. A design might be called intelligent not because it can think, but because it's efficient or well-conceived. Intelligence, conversely, often delves into specifics like emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence, or military intelligence, indicating various facets of understanding or information.
To conclude, while both terms center around the concept of thinking and understanding, intelligent is a descriptive term, and intelligence encapsulates the essence of cognitive abilities and information.
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Adjective
Noun
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Describes
An entity possessing intelligence
The actual ability or information
Usage Example
An intelligent student
A test that measures intelligence
Extended Use
Can describe designs, plans, machines, etc.
Can refer to types: emotional, artificial, etc.
Qualification
Describes quality or state
Represents degree or type
Intelligent and Intelligence Definitions
Intelligent
Reflecting sound judgment or good planning.
That was an intelligent decision to invest early.
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Intelligence
Capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding.
Intelligence can be nurtured and developed over time.
Intelligent
Able to interact responsively.
The software has an intelligent user interface.
Intelligence
A subdivision of knowledge like emotional or artificial.
He's studying the intricacies of artificial intelligence.
Intelligent
Characterized by quick and insightful thinking.
His response was notably intelligent.
Intelligence
Quickness of understanding.
His sharp intelligence was evident in his rapid responses.
Intelligent
Having or showing an ability to think, learn, and understand.
She's an intelligent individual who grasps concepts quickly.
Intelligence
The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
Her intelligence sets her apart in the competition.
Intelligent
Having the ability to process information or stimuli.
Intelligent machines can adapt to changing situations.
Intelligence
The ability to acquire, understand, and use knowledge
A person of extraordinary intelligence.
Intelligent
Having intelligence
Is there intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy?.
Intelligence
Information, especially secret information gathered about an actual or potential enemy or adversary.
Intelligent
Having a high degree of intelligence; mentally acute
An intelligent student.
Intelligence
The gathering of such information
"Corporate intelligence relies on a slew of tools, some sophisticated, many quite basic" (Neil King and Jess Bravin).
Intelligent
Showing sound judgment and rationality
An intelligent decision.
An intelligent solution to the problem.
Intelligence
An agency or organization whose purpose is to gather such information
An officer from military intelligence.
Intelligent
Appealing to the intellect; intellectual
A film with witty and intelligent dialogue.
Intelligence
An intelligent, incorporeal being, especially an angel.
Intelligent
Of high or especially quick cognitive capacity, bright.
Intelligence
Of mind, especially to understand principles, truths, facts or meanings, acquire knowledge, and apply it to practice; the ability to comprehend and learn.
Intelligent
Well thought-out, well considered.
The engineer had a very intelligent design proposal for the new car.
The general devised an intelligent strategy for the southern campaign.
Intelligence
The quality of making use or having made use of such capacities: depth of understanding, mental quickness.
Intelligent
Characterized by thoughtful interaction.
My girlfriend and I had an intelligent conversation.
Intelligence
(countable) An entity that has such capacities.
Intelligent
Having at least a similar level of brain power to humankind.
The hunt for intelligent life.
Intelligence
, often secret, about an enemy or about hostile activities.
Intelligent
Having an environment-sensing automatically-invoked built-in computer capability.
An intelligent network or keyboard
Intelligence
(countable) A political or military department, agency or unit designed to gather information, usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile activities.
Intelligent
Endowed with the faculty of understanding or reason; as, man is an intelligent being.
Intelligence
(dated) acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.
Intelligent
Possessed of a high level of intelligence, education, or judgment; knowing; sensible; skilled; exhibiting high intelligence; as, an intelligent young man; an intelligent architect; an intelligent answer.
Intelligence
The act or state of knowing; the exercise of the understanding.
Intelligent
Cognizant; aware; communicative.
Intelligent of seasons.
Which are to France the spies and speculationsIntelligent of our state.
Intelligence
The capacity to know or understand; readiness of comprehension; the intellect, as a gift or an endowment.
And dimmed with darkness their intelligence.
Intelligent
Having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree;
Is there intelligent life in the universe?
An intelligent question
Intelligence
Information communicated; news; notice; advice.
Intelligence is given where you are hid.
Intelligent
Possessing sound knowledge;
Well-informed readers
Intelligence
Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.
He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any friendship with the favorites.
Intelligent
Exercising or showing good judgment;
Healthy scepticism
A healthy fear of rattlesnakes
The healthy attitude of French laws
Healthy relations between labor and management
An intelligent solution
A sound approach to the problem
Sound advice
No sound explanation for his decision
Intelligence
Knowledge imparted or acquired, whether by study, research, or experience; general information.
I write as he that none intelligenceOf meters hath, ne flowers of sentence.
Intelligent
Endowed with the capacity to reason
Intelligence
An intelligent being or spirit; - generally applied to pure spirits; as, a created intelligence.
The great Intelligences fairThat range above our mortal state,In circle round the blessed gate,Received and gave him welcome there.
Intelligence
The division within a military organization that gathers and evaluates information about an enemy.
Intelligence
The ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
Intelligence
A unit responsible for gathering and interpreting information about an enemy
Intelligence
Secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy);
We sent out planes to gather intelligence on their radar coverage
Intelligence
New information about specific and timely events;
They awaited news of the outcome
Intelligence
The operation of gathering information about an enemy
Intelligence
Information gathered for analysis.
The agency collected foreign intelligence.
FAQs
What is intelligent?
It's an adjective describing something or someone as having intelligence.
How can you use intelligent in a sentence?
"She is an intelligent writer with a unique style."
How is intelligence defined?
It's the capacity to learn, reason, and understand.
Can a machine be intelligent?
Yes, if it can emulate human-like cognitive functions.
How do you measure intelligence?
Commonly through IQ tests or other cognitive assessments.
How can one improve intelligence?
Through continuous learning, challenging the brain, and healthy living.
Is intelligence the same as wisdom?
No, intelligence relates to cognitive abilities, while wisdom involves experience and judgment.
Is being knowledgeable the same as being intelligent?
Not necessarily; knowledge is information acquired, while intelligent denotes the ability to acquire it.
What are types of intelligence?
Examples include emotional, artificial, and spatial intelligence.
Can someone be emotionally intelligent?
Yes, it refers to recognizing and managing one's emotions and those of others.
Can intelligence be inherited?
Genetics play a role, but environment and upbringing also have significant impacts.
Can animals be intelligent?
Absolutely, many animals display remarkable levels of intelligence.
Is everyone's intelligence the same?
No, it varies among individuals and can be influenced by both genetics and environment.
Is intelligence fixed at birth?
No, it can develop and change over time with experiences and learning.
Does intelligent only refer to academic ability?
No, it can also relate to practical, social, or other forms of intelligence.
What's the opposite of intelligent?
Often terms like "unintelligent" or "dull."
Do all cultures define intelligent the same way?
Not necessarily; perceptions of intelligence can vary across cultures.
What's artificial intelligence?
It's machine intelligence, where machines mimic human cognitive functions.
Is intelligent a compliment?
Generally, yes, as it acknowledges someone's cognitive abilities.
How do intelligent systems work?
They process data, learn from it, and make decisions based on patterns.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
