/ ɪnˈtelɪdʒənt; NAmE / adjective
1.
good at learning, understanding and thinking in a logical way about things; showing this ability :
a highly intelligent child
to ask an intelligent question
OPP unintelligent
2.
( of an animal, a being, etc. ) able to understand and learn things :
a search for intelligent life on other planets
3.
( computing ) ( of a computer, program, etc. ) able to store information and use it in new situations :
intelligent software / systems
► in·tel·li·gent·ly adverb
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SYNONYMS
intelligent
smart ♦ clever ♦ brilliant ♦ bright
These words all describe people who are good at learning, understanding and thinking about things, and the actions that show this ability.
intelligent
good at learning, understanding and thinking in a logical way about things; showing this ability:
He's a highly intelligent man.
•
She asked a lot of intelligent questions.
smart
( especially NAmE ) quick at learning and understanding things; showing the ability to make good business or personal decisions:
She's smarter than her brother.
•
That was a smart career move.
clever
( sometimes disapproving , especially BrE ) quick at learning and understanding things; showing this ability:
How clever of you to work it out!
•
He's too clever by half , if you ask me.
NOTE
People use clever in the phrase :
Clever boy / girl!
to tell a young child that they have learnt or done sth well. When used to or about an adult clever can be disapproving .
brilliant
extremely intelligent or skilful:
He's a brilliant young scientist.
bright
intelligent; quick to learn:
She's probably the brightest student in the class.
NOTE
Bright is used especially to talk about young people. Common collocations of bright include girl , boy , kid , student , pupil .
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
a(n) intelligent / smart / clever / brilliant / bright child / boy / girl / man / woman
a(n) intelligent / smart / clever / brilliant / bright thing to do
to be / look / seem intelligent / smart / clever / brilliant / bright
really / extremely / unusually intelligent / smart / clever / brilliant / bright
fairly / quite / rather / pretty / very intelligent / smart / clever / bright
clever / brilliant at sth
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent.: from Latin intelligent- understanding, from the verb intelligere , variant of intellegere understand, from inter between + legere choose.