Intelligent vs. Intelligence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Intelligent is an adjective describing someone or something with the ability to learn and understand, while intelligence is a noun referring to the capacity for learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Difference Between Intelligent and Intelligence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intelligent is used as an adjective to describe someone or something as having or showing intelligence. Intelligence is a noun that refers to the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
An intelligent individual is often characterized by good understanding and sound decision-making. Intelligence, on the other hand, is the abstract quality that such an individual possesses.
The term "intelligent" is often used in context to highlight the capability of a person or machine. Intelligence is used more broadly to denote mental acuity or even to refer to covert information gathering, as in military intelligence.
While "intelligent" is directly applicable to individuals or entities, intelligence is the overarching concept that can be measured, such as through IQ tests or other assessments.
An intelligent decision implies a choice made with wisdom and knowledge. Intelligence, in the context of information, refers to collected data and insights, particularly in military or business contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Usage
Describes ability or smartness
Refers to mental capacity or collected information
Context
Often personal, e.g., an intelligent person
Abstract or organizational, e.g., AI intelligence
Application
Specific to entities
Broad concept, including various types
Measurement
Not directly measured, more of a qualitative term
Can be measured (e.g., IQ) or gathered (e.g., data)
Compare with Definitions
Intelligent
Possessing a high degree of mental capacity.
The intelligent machine could solve complex problems.
Intelligence
The measurement of cognitive abilities, such as an IQ score.
His intelligence was assessed through various standardized tests.
Intelligent
Having quick and well-developed cognitive abilities.
He's intelligent enough to understand the implications.
Intelligence
Information gathered, often covertly, for strategic purposes.
The agency relied on intelligence from overseas operatives.
Intelligent
Able to think, understand, and learn things quickly and well.
The intelligent dog quickly learned all the commands.
Intelligence
Insight or understanding derived from gathered information.
Market intelligence helped the company stay ahead of trends.
Intelligent
Displaying sound judgment and rational thinking.
It was an intelligent decision to save money for the future.
Intelligence
The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
Her high intelligence was evident in her quick problem-solving.
Intelligent
Having or showing the ability to easily learn and understand things.
She was known as an intelligent student who excelled in her studies.
Intelligence
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. More generally, it can be described as the ability to perceive or infer information, and to retain it as knowledge to be applied towards adaptive behaviors within an environment or context.
Intelligent
Having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level
An intelligent guess
Anna is intelligent and hard-working
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
The capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding.
Artificial intelligence simulates human intelligence in machines.
Common Curiosities
Can intelligence be measured?
Yes, intelligence can be measured through assessments like IQ tests.
What does it mean to be intelligent?
Being intelligent means having the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge effectively.
Are intelligent people always successful?
Not necessarily, success depends on various factors, not just intelligence.
Can intelligence change over time?
Yes, intelligence can develop and change due to learning and experiences.
Is intelligence hereditary?
Genetics can influence intelligence, but environment and education also play crucial roles.
Is intelligence only related to academics?
No, intelligence encompasses various domains, including emotional and social intelligence.
What's the difference between intelligence and knowledge?
Intelligence is the capacity to learn and understand, while knowledge is the information acquired.
Is intelligence the same as wisdom?
No, intelligence relates to cognitive abilities, while wisdom involves experience and judgment.
Can animals be intelligent?
Yes, many animals show signs of intelligence through learning and problem-solving.
How important is intelligence in decision-making?
Intelligence is important as it allows for informed and rational decisions.
Can one improve their intelligence?
While some aspects are innate, cognitive abilities can be enhanced through learning and practice.
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence involves the ability to understand and manage emotions, both personal and of others.
Can machines be intelligent?
Machines can exhibit artificial intelligence, simulating human cognitive functions.
Is there a relationship between intelligence and creativity?
Yes, intelligence can contribute to creative problem-solving, but they are distinct traits.
Is intelligence the same in all cultures?
Concepts of intelligence can vary across cultures, encompassing different skills and values.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
