[in.tel.li.gent] adj [L intelligent-, intelligens, prp. of intelligere, intellegere to understand, fr. inter- + legere to gather, select--more at legend] (1509) 1 a: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity b: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought: skillful
2. a: possessing intelligence b: guided or directed by intellect: rational 3 a: guided or controlled by a computer; esp: using a built-in microprocessor for automatic operation, for processing of data, or for achieving greater versatility--compare dumb
7. b: able to produce printed material from digital signals "an ~ copier" -- in.tel.li.gen.tial adj -- in.tel.li.gent.ly adv syn intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick. intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems "an intelligent person could assemble it fast". clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities "clever with words". alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding "alert to new technology". quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge "no match for his quick-witted opponent".