Revised 2010 More entries for intelligence

intelligencenoun

Etymology

Summary

Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French intelligence; Latin intelligentia.

< (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French intelligence faculty of understanding, intellect (c1174 in Old French), understanding, comprehension (c1370), spiritual intelligent being (1370), understanding (between parties), agreement (1476; frequently with qualifying adjective, e.g. in bonne intelligence, mauvaise intelligence), communication of information, especially of confidential information (c1500; frequently in plural intelligences), capacity to understand (1559), highly intelligent person, intellectual (1749),

and its etymon (ii) classical Latin intellegentia, intelligentia action or faculty of discerning or understanding, comprehension, degree of understanding, intelligence, intellectual keenness, cleverness, understanding in a special field, discernment, idea, concept, notion, in post-classical Latin also intelligent being (5th cent. in Augustine), spiritual being, incorporeal being, angel (from c1200 in British sources), understanding (between parties), agreement (late 15th cent. in a British source) < intellegent-, intellegēns intelligent adj. + ‑ia ‑ia suffix1: see ‑ence suffix

Compare intellect n.

Notes

Compare Catalan intel·ligència (15th cent.), Spanish inteligencia (second half of the 13th cent. as †intelligençia, Portuguese inteligência (14th cent. as jntelligencia), Italian intelligenzia (mid 13th cent. as †inteligentia; also †intelligentia, †intelligenza, etc.).

The sense ‘piece of confidential information or news’ (compare senses 6a, 6b) is apparently first recorded in French only in Cotgrave (1611) and shows a calque on English; sense 6c is unparalleled in French.

Meaning & use

Quotations

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Earlier version

intelligence, n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

In other dictionaries

intelliǧence, n. in Middle English Dictionary

1.
c1390–

The faculty of understanding; intellect. Also as a count noun: a mental manifestation of this faculty, a capacity to understand.
(c1390)
He which withinne dayes sevene..thilke intelligence In mannes soule resonable Enspired, to himself semblable.
J. Gower, Confessio Amantis (MS Bodl. 902) viii. l. 2976* (Middle English Dictionary)
[Composed c1390]
?a1475
It excedyth myn intellygens.
Ludus Coventriae (1922) 257
1591
A stonie coldnesse hath benumbd the sence..And dimd with darknesse their intelligence.
E. Spenser, Teares of Muses in Complaints 255
1598
These darke Enigmaes..passe my dullard braines intelligence.
J. Marston, Certaine Satyres in Metamorphosis of Pigmalions Image 40
1656
'Tis plain..that an Intelligence, by that one rarefactive Vertue, can operate whatever is to be done by Bodies.
translation of T. White, Peripateticall Institutions v. xiv. 313
1664
To say, this Polary direction proceeds from itself, is to put a Soul, or Intelligence, at least, into the Stone.
H. Power, Experimental Philosophy iii. 158
1781
His frequent references to history..shew an intelligence perpetually on the wing, excursive, vigorous, and diligent.
S. Johnson, Pope in Preface Works of English Poets vol. VII. 255
1784
Through the intelligence of our own souls we may have something of a prospective idea of the divine perfections.
E. Allen, Reason i. §3. 36
1802
There being no difference, as far as argument is concerned, between an intelligence which is not exerted, and an intelligence which does not exist.
W. Paley, Natural Theology iv. 59
1830
He is led to the conception of a Power and an Intelligence superior to his own.
J. F. W. Herschel, Preliminary Discourse on Study of Natural Philosophy 4
1861
Man..differs more from animals by his intelligence than he resembles them by his body.
J. Remy & J. L. Brenchley, Journey to Great-Salt-Lake City vol. II. iii. ii. 89
1916
With a will and an intelligence that would have brought him to the easy chair and the good bank account, he refused to leave his comrades.
P. Colum in Mother Earth June 505
1962
The bustling homo-sapiens was becoming homo-sedentarius, a quiet animal who sat and used his intelligence to push buttons and pull switches.
Daily Telegraph 7 April 13
1992
The heart Ms. Freeman is writing about is..the seat of intelligence and emotion.
New York Times Book Review 19 January 21/2
the mind operation of the mind intellect [nouns]
anyitOld English–1225

Understanding, intelligence; perception.
i-witOld English–1250

Knowledge; understanding; wits, senses.
thoughtOld English–

The action or process of thinking; mental action or activity in general, esp. that of the intellect; exercise of the mental faculty; formation and…
witOld English–

The faculty of thinking and reasoning in general; mental capacity, understanding, intellect, reason. archaic (now esp. in the wit of man = human…
inwitc1305–1587

Reason, intellect, understanding; wisdom.
intention1340–1526

The action or faculty of understanding; way of understanding (something); the notion one has of anything. Also, the mind or mental faculties…
mindc1384–

A person's cognitive, rational, or intellectual powers; the intellect; esp. as distinguished from the emotions, and frequently opposed to heart (cf…
understandingc1384–

The intellectual faculty as manifested in a particular person or set of persons.
intentc1386–1623

Mind, or an act of the mind; understanding; the mental faculties generally; frame of mind, will, spirit; perception, judgement; what is in the mind…
intelligencec1390–

The faculty of understanding; intellect. Also as a count noun: a mental manifestation of this faculty, a capacity to understand.
intellecta1398–

That faculty, or sum of faculties, of the mind or soul by which a person knows and reasons; power of thought; understanding; analytic intelligence…
minda1398–

spec. Intellectual quality, keenness of intellect, mental power; frequently in man of mind.
understanda1400–44

Understanding; knowledge.
intellectionc1449–1797

The faculty of understanding; intellect. Obsolete.
ingeny1477–1708

Mind, intellect, mental faculties; mental tendency, disposition.
intellectivec1484–1575

Intellective faculty; intellect, understanding. Obsolete. rare.
mind-sight1587–

The ability of the mind to understand, imagine, or penetrate; (also) a mental picture.
intellectual1598–1826

The intellectual faculty of a person; the intellect, the mind. Obsolete.
notion1604–67

Knowledge or understanding; the mind, the intellect. Obsolete.
intelligency1663–

The faculty of understanding; a manifestation of this. Also: knowledge, understanding. Cf. intelligence, n. 1, 3.
mental1676–1763

In singular and plural. Intellectual faculties. Obsolete.
nous1678–

Ancient Greek Philosophy. Mind, intellect; intelligence; intuitive apprehension.
grasp1683–

figurative. Intellectual hold; esp. comprehensive mastery of the whole of a subject; hence, mental comprehensiveness.
thinker1835–

A person's mind, the brain as the organ of thought. humorous.
Geist1871–

Spirit; spirituality; intellectuality; intelligence.
noesis1881

Mental capacity or activity. Obsolete. rare.
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the mind operation of the mind understanding [nouns]
understandingOld English–

(Without article.) Power or ability to understand; intellect, intelligence. Sometimes spec. = 1c.
witOld English–

The faculty of thinking and reasoning in general; mental capacity, understanding, intellect, reason. archaic (now esp. in the wit of man = human…
intention1340–1526

The action or faculty of understanding; way of understanding (something); the notion one has of anything. Also, the mind or mental faculties…
intendmentc1374–1601

The faculty or action of understanding. Obsolete.
knowledgea1387–1507

The faculty of understanding or knowing; intelligence, intellect. Obsolete.
intelligencec1390–

The faculty of understanding; intellect. Also as a count noun: a mental manifestation of this faculty, a capacity to understand.
conceitc1405–1819

The faculty for conceiving, apprehending, or understanding something; mental capacity. Obsolete.
intellect?a1475–1543

Comprehension; understanding. Obsolete. rare.
perceiverancea1500–1627

The faculty, capacity or action of perceiving (esp. with the mind); perception; awareness; understanding. Cf. perceivance, n.
perceiverationa1500

= perceiverance, n. 1.
receipta1500–1628

Capacity for receiving or accommodating ideas, feelings, etc.; mental capacity; power of apprehension. Obsolete.
intendiment1528–90

Understanding; = intendment, n. 1.
reach1542–

Capacity or power of comprehension; extent of knowledge or of the ability to acquire it; range of mind or thought. Frequently in prepositional…
apprehension1570–

The apprehensive faculty; ability to understand; understanding.
toucha1586–

The faculty or capacity of the mind considered as analogous to the sense of touch (see sense II.8a); mental, moral, or emotional perception or…
understandingnessa1628–62

The state or condition of having understanding; the faculty of understanding.
apprehensivenessa1639–

Aptness to apprehend; intelligence, perceptiveness, discernment.
ingenuity1651–75

Intellectual capacity; intelligence, sense, good judgement; normal condition of the mental faculties; (one's) senses or wits. Obsolete.
comprehensiona1662–

The faculty of grasping with the mind, power of receiving and containing ideas, mental grasp.
intelligibility1661–

Capacity to understand; intelligence. Cf. intelligible, adj. A.1. rare.
intelligency1663–

The faculty of understanding; a manifestation of this. Also: knowledge, understanding. Cf. intelligence, n. 1, 3.
uptake1816–

The action of, or capacity for, understanding; comprehension. Usually in quick (slow, gleg (Sc.), etc.) on (at, in) the uptake. Originally Scottish.
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2.
a1393

† A branch of knowledge. Obsolete. rare.
(a1393)
Mathematique of his science Hath yit the thridde intelligence Full of wisdom and of clergie And cleped is Geometrie.
J. Gower, Confessio Amantis (MS Fairfax) vii. l. 176
[Composed a1393]
the mind operation of the mind knowledge branch of knowledge [nouns]
craftOld English–1530

With reference to learning and knowledge. As a count noun. A branch of learning or knowledge; a field of study or expertise; a discipline…
learningOld English–1613

A particular branch of learning; an area of study. Obsolete.
lorec1290–1551

A body of knowledge, a science. Obsolete.
cunning1340–1592

A branch of knowledge or of skilled work; a science or art, a craft. In early times often = occult art, magic. Obsolete.
facultyc1384–1797

A branch or department of knowledge. Obsolete.
sciencea1387–

A particular area of knowledge or study; a recognized branch of learning; spec. (in the Middle Ages) each of the seven subjects forming the trivium…
intelligencea1393

A branch of knowledge. Obsolete. rare.
disciplinea1398–

A branch of learning or knowledge; a field of study or expertise; a subject. Now also: a subcategory or element of a particular subject or field.
masterya1425–1500

A field of knowledge; an art or science; a method or process relating to an art or science. Obsolete.
skill1570–1667

An art or science. Obsolete.
doctrine1594–

A body or system of principles or tenets; a doctrinal or theoretical system; a theory; a science, or department of knowledge. ? Obsolete.
ism1680–

A form of doctrine, theory, or practice having, or claiming to have, a distinctive character or relation: chiefly used disparagingly, and sometimes…
ology1811–

An academic discipline or field of knowledge; esp. one of the physical, biological, or social sciences.
ography1828–

A branch of knowledge the name of which ends in -ography.
sophya1843–

One or other of the various sciences, departments of study, etc.
osophy1851–

An academic discipline or field such as philosophy, theosophy, etc. Frequently in plural (usually with disparaging implication): such disciplines…
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3.
c1429–

The action or fact of mentally apprehending something; understanding, knowledge, comprehension (of something). Also (now rare): an act of mental comprehension.
c1429
To whayme..Crist gaf..Grace of the Haly Gast and eke of tonges intelligence.
Mirour of Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 3702
?c1530
I write, as he that none intelligence Of metres hath, ne floures of sentence.
Court of Love 5
1552
It helpis vs to y^e trew intelligence of y^e scripture.
Archbishop J. Hamilton, The Catechisme, That Is to Say, ane Commone and Catholik Instructioun of the Christin People in Materis of Our Catholik Faith and Religioun, Quhilk Na Gud Christin Man or Woman Suld Misknaw i. vii. f. 18^v
1603
If without the said good, it is not possible to conceive and imagine the indifference respective to that which is not good; much lesse the intelligence of good things yeeldeth any cogitation unto them, who had not before some prenotion of the good.
P. Holland, translation of Plutarch, Morals 1095
1620
God doth not reason..but with one simple apprehension, or intelligence he knowes all things.
T. Granger, Syntagma Logicum 2
1702
If Reason was not to lead us in the intelligence of Scripture, how could we understand any one Text?
Excellency Human Understanding 20/2
1791
A disposition to enjoy them, arising from an intelligence of their nature, and a reverence for their value.
H. More, Estimate of Religion of Fashionable World 75
a1822
Of lakes he had intelligence, He knew something of heath, and fell.
P. B. Shelley, Peter Bell III v, in Poetical Works (?1840) 243/1
1846
What happiness for the critic when..his task is, mainly, how to express a cordial admiration; to indicate an intelligence of beauties, rather than regret for defects!
M. Fuller, Papers on Literature & Art ii. 22
1925
Useless intelligence of far stars, dim knowledge of the spinning demons that make an atom.
R. Jeffers, Roan Stallion, Tamar & Other Poems 20
1940
Literature is the complete knowledge of man's experience, and by knowledge I mean that unique and formed intelligence of the world of which man alone is capable.
A. Tate, Ess. Four Decades (1970) 210
2002
The spiritual intelligence of Scripture is above all the capacity to grasp the events narrated in the Bible as ‘figures’ of other historical events, rather than as parables.
L. D'Isanto, translation of G. Vattimo, After Christianity ii. 28
the mind operation of the mind understanding [nouns] understanding, comprehension of something
intelligencec1429–

The action or fact of mentally apprehending something; understanding, knowledge, comprehension (of something). Also (now rare): an act of mental…
sense1483–

Mental apprehension, recognition, or realization of a truth, fact, or state of affairs; full awareness.
understanding1548–

Comprehension of something. rare.
resentmenta1638–78

An appreciation or understanding of something. Obsolete.
sensationa1659–1864

Mental apprehension or awareness; (also) an instance of this, an awareness or impression. Frequently with of. Obsolete except as merged with sense 2b.
conception1796–

An understanding or comprehension of something; an ability to conceive or imagine a specified thing. Also: a notion, an inkling. Frequently in…
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4.
?1435–

Understanding as a quality admitting of degree; spec. quickness or superiority of understanding, sagacity.
?1435 (1432)
God the ffulfille with intelligence And with a spyryt off goostly sapience.
J. Lydgate, Minor Poems (1934) ii. 636 (Middle English Dictionary)
[Composed 1432]
?1507
He sparis no lord for his piscence, Na clerk for his intelligence.
W. Dunbar, Poems (1998) vol. I. 95
c1510
O man deuoyde of intellygence Open thyn eeres vnto my call and cry.
Remors of Conscyence (de Worde) sig. a.ii
1569
That some learned Englishe man of good intelligence would..confute such errors.
R. Grafton, A Chronicle at Large and Meere History of the Affayres of Englande and Kinges of the Same vol. I. Epistle f. 2^v
1639
Accepting alike the Faith resultant from the dark mists of the Ignorant, and from the clearest intelligence of the Learned.
G. Digby in G. Digby & K. Digby, Letters conc. Religion (1651) 112
1663
Either through the negligence of the Overseers, or through the little intelligence, or rather impatience of the French..this work was discontinued.
J. D., translation of H. de Péréfixe de Beaumont, Hist. Henry IV iii. 333
1780
We can proceed with confidence, because we can proceed with intelligence.
E. Burke, Speech Oeconomical Reformation 14
1793
When any difference or difficulty arose, he interfered, as a moderator, with no less intelligence than politeness.
A. Dalzel, History of Dahomy i. viii. 44
1837
Baron Cuvier..observes [of elephants] that..he never found their intelligence surpass that of a dog nor of many other carnivorous animals.
Penny Cyclopaedia vol. IX. 350/1
1847
The Common Seal..is readily domesticated, and shows great intelligence and attachment to Man.
W. B. Carpenter, Zoology: Systematic Account vol. I. §202
1871
It is clear that intelligence has ever proved itself superior to ignorance.
J. Yeats, Technical History of Commerce iii. vi. 428
1925
He must be a good-class man of some intelligence.
E. F. Norton in E. F. Norton et al., Fight for Everest: 1924 39
1974
Many children with mild cerebral palsy require no medical treatment and, if they are of average intelligence, should be considered as normal children.
R. Passmore & J. S. Robson, A Companion to Medical Studies vol. III. ii. xxxvi. 9/1
1990
The killer whale displays intelligence as high and social behaviour as complex as any other dolphin.
J. Green, Whales & Dolphins Coloring Book 34
2005
Moynihan came to the United Nations as a man of great intelligence and vision.
C. N. Murphy, Global Inst., Marginalization & Development vii. 115
the mind operation of the mind understanding intelligence, cleverness [nouns]
anyitOld English–1225

Understanding, intelligence; perception.
i-witOld English–1250

Knowledge; understanding; wits, senses.
understandingOld English–

(Without article.) Power or ability to understand; intellect, intelligence. Sometimes spec. = 1c.
ferec1175–1400

Ability, power; health.
skillwisenessa1200–1400

Discretion, intelligence, reason.
quaintisec1300–1530

Wisdom, cleverness; skill, ingenuity.
brainc1325–

Intellectual power, intellect, sense, thought, imagination. Cf. brain power, n.
cunning1340–1533

The capacity or faculty of knowing; wit, wisdom, intelligence. Obsolete.
reder1340–1534

An adviser, counsellor.
cunningnessa1400–1755

Knowingness; skilfulness, skill, cleverness; something requiring skill; = cunning, n. 2–4.
sentencec1400–1523

Intelligence, insight, sound judgement. Obsolete.
intelligence?1435–

Understanding as a quality admitting of degree; spec. quickness or superiority of understanding, sagacity.
speculation1471–

The faculty or power of seeing; sight, vision, esp. intelligent or comprehending vision. Now archaic.
ingeny1474–1697

Intellectual capacity, mental ability; genius, talent, cleverness, ingenuity.
cunningheadc1475

= cunningness, n. 1.
capacity1485–

Mental or intellectual receiving power; ability to grasp or take in impressions, ideas, knowledge.
pregnancyc1487–

Fertility of the mind, inventiveness, imagination, resourcefulness; quickness or readiness of wit. Now rare.
dexterity1527–

Mental adroitness or skill; ‘readiness of expedient, quickness of contrivance, skill of management’ (Johnson); cleverness, address, ready tact…
pregnance?1533–

= pregnancy, n.¹ (in various senses).
shift1542–1895

The faculty of being capable or resourceful; resourcefulness; aptitude for work. Obsolete (chiefly English regional (northern and north midlands) in…
wittiness1543–

The quality or character of being witty; †intelligence, sagacity; †cleverness, ingenuity; †wisdom, good sense, etc. (see witty, adj. 2–8).
ingeniousness1555–

The quality of being ingenious; cleverness, ingenuity.
conceitedness1576–1691

Cleverness, intelligence; wit. Obsolete.
pate1598–

The intellect, intelligence; a person's mind or brain.
conceit1604

Capacity for accommodating or containing something; extent, size. Obsolete. rare.
ingeniosity1607–

The quality of being ingenious; ingenuity.
dexterousness1622–

The quality of being dexterous or adroit in mind or body; dexterity.
talent1622–

Collective singular (without a or plural). Mental power or ability; cleverness.
ingenuousness1628–

Used by confusion for ingeniousness (= ingenuity, n. II). Obsolete.
solertiousnessa1649–70

ingenuity1651–75

Intellectual capacity; intelligence, sense, good judgement; normal condition of the mental faculties; (one's) senses or wits. Obsolete.
partedness1654

The condition of possessing talents or accomplishments.
brightness1655–

The quality of being intelligent and quick-witted.
solerty1656

Cleverness, ingenuity.
cleverness1671–

The quality or state of being clever (in various senses); (now) esp. intelligence or ingenuity.
prettiness1674

Cleverness; amusingness. Obsolete.
long head1694–

slang. An aptitude for calculation or forethought; shrewdness, intelligence. Esp. in to have a long head. Now rare.
long lega1705–1871

In singular and (usually) in plural. A wading bird of the genus Himantopus; a stilt. Obsolete.
cleverality1778–

Cleverness, ingenuity. Often, typically in later use, with the implication that someone is trying too hard to appear impressively intelligent or…
smartness1800–

Intelligence, cleverness; astuteness, shrewdness.
brain power1832–

knowledgeability1834–

The fact or quality of being knowledgeable.
crystallized intelligence1862–

a. Intelligence in embodied or established form; b. Psychology that part of measurable intelligence which is learned and habitual; contrasted with fl…
braininess1876–

Cleverness, intelligence, acuteness; the quality of having brains.
cerebrality1901–

Cerebral or intellectual quality, cleverness.
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1. 5.a.
  a1456–
  
  An intelligent or rational being, esp. a spiritual one, or one alien to humankind.
  [(a1398)
  Spiritis þat beþ also iclepid intelligencie [Latin intelligentie] beþ ful of schappis and liknes, þat nediþ to haue knowlech and konnynge.
  J. Trevisa, translation of Bartholomaeus Anglicus, De Proprietatibus Rerum (MS BL Add. 27944) (1975) vol. I. ii. ii. 60]
  [Composed a1398]
  a1456
  Þou first moeuer..Having þe lordship of eche Intelligence, Destille adoune þy gracious Influence.
  J. Lydgate, Invocation St. Anne (MS BL Add.) l. 4 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 130 (Middle English Dictionary)
  1556
  Chiefly standeth his minde in contemplation of immortall, & perdurable thinges... Ye order, course..influence of sonne, moone, and sterres it obserueth: conceiueth intelligences, aungels, soules, and fourmes immaterial.
  N. Grimald in translation of Cicero, Thre Bokes of Duties sig. ¶vii^v
  1589
  The diuine intelligences or good Angels.
  G. Puttenham, Arte of English Poesie i. iii. 4
  1667
  How fully hast thou satisfi'd mee, pure Intelligence of Heav'n, Angel serene.
  J. Milton, Paradise Lost viii. 181
  1686
  The School Philosophers..teach, the Cœlestial Orbs to be moved or guided by Intelligences, or Angels.
  R. Boyle, Free Enquiry Notion of Nature 53
  1710
  In the Intelligible World there are Beauties Created, which are nevertheless Eternal, i.e. such as shall never have an end. Such are the Celestial Intelligences, the Angels and Archangels.
  translation of P. Jurieu, Pract. Devotion i. iv. 23
  1756
  The intelligences superior to man have their laws.
  T. Nugent, translation of C.-L. de S. de Montesquieu, Spirit of Laws (1758) vol. I. i. i. 1
  1829
  A correspondent degree of wickedness may effect a communion with evil Intelligences.
  R. Southey, Sir Thomas More vol. I. 11
  a1856
  Man as a thinking and cognitive intelligence.
  W. Hamilton, Lectures on Metaphysics (1859) vol. I. iii. 50
  1915
  It stumbles against the same difficulties as the spirits or other alien intelligences uselessly foretelling the event which they cannot prevent.
  A. T. De Mattos, translation of M. Maeterlinck, Unknown Guest iii. 179
  1979
  Scientists have argued that..the radio water-hole will be the most logical communications medium for intelligences across the universe.
  Daily Telegraph 10 November 11/1
  2001
  The angels are alien intelligences..either separately or together, as part of some kind of hive mind.
  T. Zahn, Angelmass 147
  the world the supernatural supernatural being or deity [nouns]
  ghostOld English–
  
  An incorporeal, supernatural, rational being, of a type usually regarded as imperceptible to humans but capable of becoming visible at will; a…
  spiritc1350–
  
  An incorporeal, supernatural, rational being, of a type usually regarded as imperceptible to humans but capable of becoming visible at will, and…
  minda1398–
  
  Frequently in theistic (esp. Christian) contexts: transcendent intelligence, rationality, or being, esp. that seen as initiating or controlling…
  sprite?1440–
  
  An incorporeal or immaterial being; a disembodied spirit or soul; (now usually) spec. a supernatural creature or spirit, typically portrayed as…
  intelligencea1456–
  
  An intelligent or rational being, esp. a spiritual one, or one alien to humankind.
  esperite1477–81
  
  = spirit, n.
  intelligency1582–
  
  = intelligence, n. 5a.
  genio1590–
  
  A supernatural being or spirit; = genius, n. A.I.3. historical and rare after 17th cent.
  geniusa1592–
  
  Any supernatural being or spirit. In later use also: spec. = genie, n. 3a.
  supernality1599–
  
  The quality of being supernal; a supernal being or thing.
  ethereal1610–
  
  An ethereal being, a spirit, an immortal.
  spirituality1628–1860
  
  An incorporeal, intangible, or spiritual substance, essence, or entity; a spirit. Cf. spiritual, adj. A.II.10a. Obsolete.
  supernatural1660–
  
  A supernatural being.
  jynx1662–
  
  Name of an order of spiritual intelligences in ancient ‘Chaldaic’ philosophy.
  duende1691–
  
  In the folklore of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines: a supernatural being or spirit, typically short in stature and resembling…
  atua1769–
  
  A Polynesian name for a supernatural being, god, or demon.
  nat1819–
  
  In the Indigenous religion of Burma (Myanmar): a spirit, demon, or supernatural being.
  demon1822–
  
  Esp. in non-Christian contexts: any spirit or supernatural being (not regarded as intrinsically evil).
  yokai1915–
  
  Any of various spirits or supernatural beings in Japanese mythology and folklore and in modern Japanese fiction, esp. anime and manga.
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2. 5.b.
  1648–
  
  An embodiment of intelligence or understanding; a highly intelligent person.
  1648
  Cheynell their chiefe Intelligence and Mouer is come for London, to be enabled to do them more mischiefe.
  Mercurius Veridicus No. 1. sig. A3^v
  1775
  As lately acted, and to be re-acted to the wonder of all superior intelligences, nigh head-quarters at Amboyne.
  M. O. Warren, Group 1 (heading)
  1843
  Great men, vast intelligences arose, who purified and elaborated their former crude notions in a definite principle into a general and accepted, organized religion.
  Church of England Quarterly Review January 4
  1931
  Gerardo Diego, formerly one of the founders of the Ultraist movement, and one of the finest intelligences that there is.
  S. Putnam, translation of J. Cassou in S. Putnam et al., European Caravan vol. I. 299
  1962
  To the extent that the superior intelligences are subjected to crowd influence, they are alike subject to political error.
  F. G. Wilson, Theory of Public Opinion ii. vi. 127
  2002
  One of the century's foremost intelligences, J. Robert Oppenheimer advised institutionalization of an alliance between the artist and the university.
  R. P. Smith, Other Face of Public Television 315
  the mind operation of the mind understanding intelligence, cleverness [nouns] intelligent person
  wit1508–
  
  (transferred from 5.) A person of great mental ability; a learned, clever, or intellectual person; a man of talent or intellect; a genius. archaic or…
  callent1637
  
  A person who is skilled in or knowledgeable about a particular subject.
  intelligent1640–
  
  An intelligent person; spec. a member of the intelligentsia.
  headpiece1647–
  
  A clever or intellectual person. Now rare and slang (Irish English).
  woman of sense1647–
  
  An intelligent or rational woman.
  intelligence1648–
  
  An embodiment of intelligence or understanding; a highly intelligent person.
  long head1744–
  
  slang. A shrewd or intelligent person. Occasionally somewhat disparaging.
  brains-carrier1828–1924
  
  A person who is relied upon for judgement, knowledge, or intellect; the cleverest person (in a group, etc.).
  intellect1842–
  
  In extended use: intellect embodied; spec. †(a) a being or spirit possessing understanding (obsolete); (b) a person of (usually great)…
  sharpshins1886–
  
  a. A fleet-footed person; b. a sharp-witted person; an intelligent child.
  brain1914–
  
  colloquial. A person. A clever or studious person.
  brain-box1942–
  
  colloquial. A very clever or well-informed person; a precocious or exceptionally diligent pupil.
  brainiac1975–
  
  A very intelligent person; an expert. Sometimes disparaging or derogatory, with connotations of social inadequacy or ostracization.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the mind operation of the mind understanding intelligence, cleverness intellectual superiority [nouns] intellectual person
  illuminate1602–
  
  A spiritually or intellectually enlightened person, or one claiming to be so; one initiated into ‘the mysteries’. archaic. Also spec. plural = Illum…
  intellectualist1605–
  
  A devotee of the intellect or understanding; Philosophy an adherent of intellectualism (intellectualism, n. 2).
  intelligence1648–
  
  An embodiment of intelligence or understanding; a highly intelligent person.
  intellectual1652–
  
  An intellectual being; a person of superior or supposedly superior intellect; spec. (a) a highly intelligent person who pursues academic interests…
  aerialist1778
  
  An excessively bookish or intellectual person. Obsolete.
  mindsman1837
  
  A man of mind (see mind, n.¹ IV.21b).
  intellect1842–
  
  In extended use: intellect embodied; spec. †(a) a being or spirit possessing understanding (obsolete); (b) a person of (usually great)…
  intellectuality1863–
  
  In extended use: an embodiment of intellectual ability; an (apparently) intellectual person.
  cerebralist1890–
  
  One who holds the theory that mental operations arise from the action of the brain; also, an intellectual, intellectualist.
  highbrow1898–
  
  Originally U.S. A highly intellectual or cultured person; a person with sophisticated taste.
  longhair1920–
  
  slang (originally U.S.) Frequently derogatory. A person of a type regarded as characteristically having… An intellectual, aesthete, or artist; spec.…
  egghead1952–
  
  An intellectual, a ‘highbrow’. Also attributive.
  boffin1954–
  
  British colloquial. In weakened use: an intellectual, an academic, a clever person; an expert in a particular field; esp. such a person perceived…
  boff1984–
  
  = boffin, n.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
1. 6.a.
  ?a1475–
  
  Knowledge concerning events communicated by or obtained from another; information, news; spec. information of military value.
  ?a1475
  The Aungel Gabryel Apperyd hym to; þat hese wyff xulde conseyve, he ȝaff hym intelligence.
  Ludus Coventriae (1922) 116 (Middle English Dictionary)
  1509
  We anone to our lady Pacience Will geve of you perfyte intelligence.
  S. Hawes, Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xxxvi. 190
  1576
  As for all controuersies concerning the fines & raunsomes..we reserue them to ourselues..forbidding all our Officers and Magistrates to..take vpon them any iurisdiction, intelligence, or information of the matter.
  A. Golding, translation of Edict Frenche Kinge xxviii. 27
  1613
  I suspend [belief], till some eye-intelligence of some of our parts haue testified the truth.
  S. Purchas, Pilgrimage ix. iii. 700
  1645
  I will neither directly nor indirectly give (or so far as in me lieth) suffer to be given any intelligence, advice or information to the Army.
  T. Fairfax, Letter to W. Lenthall conc. Sherborn Castle 15 August 7
  1695
  These were the Men from whom Cæsar drew his best Intelligence concerning the Country.
  W. Temple, Introduction to History of England (1699) 5
  1714
  I fear her Inttelligence is not at all to be depended on.
  Lady M. W. Montagu, Letter c24 September (1965) vol. I. 226
  1758
  He became quite raving mad, and instantly turn'd off Louvois..for not having procured better and more early Intelligence.
  G. Coade, Letter Right Honourable W.P. 126
  1799
  If our intelligence is true, his [sc. Tippoo Sultaun's] whole army are in a complete state of terror.
  G. Harris, Diary 4 April in Duke of Wellington, Dispatches (1837) vol. I. 24
  1817
  Intelligence poured in from all quarters, that one place after another was assailed.
  J. Mill, History of British India vol. II. v. v. 485
  a1827
  Tellgence, talligence, tidings, news, ‘intelligence’.
  J. Poole, Glossary in T. P. Dolan & D. Ó Muirithe, The Dialect of Forth & Bargy, Co. Wexford, Ireland (1996) 67
  1880
  The most accurate source of intelligence in all matters of public interest.
  J. McCarthy, History of our Own Times vol. IV. xlix. 29
  1927
  We were deceived by false intelligence—it was Traquair's doing, for which some day he will get my steel in his wame.
  J. Buchan, Witch Wood xiii. 214
  1974
  The first question that everybody asked was why the intelligence of the Arab armies massing on the borders..was misread?
  Times 15 January 14/3
  2004
  The intelligence would be relayed to the SAP command center in the Pentagon..and sifted for those pieces of information critical to the ‘white’, or overt, world.
  New Yorker 24 May 39/2
  military
  society communication information [nouns]
  kithOld English–1450
  
  Knowledge, acquaintance with something; knowledge communicated, information. Obsolete.
  avaymentc1315–1530
  
  Instruction, information; also (legal) declaration.
  information1390–
  
  Knowledge communicated concerning some particular fact, subject, or event; that of which one is apprised or told; intelligence, news.
  knowledgea1398–1625
  
  Information about something; intelligence; notice, intimation. Chiefly in to give (or send) knowledge. Obsolete.
  witteringa1400–
  
  Information, cognizance; modern dialect a sign, token (cf. witter, n.¹ 1), a hint.
  learningc1405–1616
  
  Information received; something told to a person. Obsolete.
  witting1417–
  
  Knowledge obtained or (esp.) communicated; information, intelligence, tidings, news; notice, warning. (Cf. wit, v.¹ I.3.) Chiefly in to get or have w…
  advicec1425–
  
  Information conveyed or imparted. Intelligence, news. Also (now less commonly) as count noun: a report; a dispatch.
  hearinga1450–
  
  Knowledge by hearing or being informed; esp. in to come to one's hearing.
  understanding1473–1585
  
  Intelligence, information. Obsolete.
  intelligence?a1475–
  
  Knowledge concerning events communicated by or obtained from another; information, news; spec. information of military value.
  intellectionc1475–1528
  
  That which is acquired by exercising the intellect; understanding, information. Obsolete.
  wit1487–
  
  Knowledge communicated, ‘intelligence’, information, esp. in to get wit of. Scottish and northern.
  formation1488–
  
  = information, n.
  instructiona1535
  
  A piece of information about a particular fact, occurrence, etc.; an account, a report. Also as a mass noun: information, news. Obsolete except as…
  myance1552–1600
  
  Information, news; grounds for believing something.
  fact1566–
  
  A piece of information allegedly or conceivably true; something presented as a fact (in sense A.II.8a) but which is disputed or unproven; (more…
  aviso1589–1678
  
  A piece of intelligence or news; a report, a dispatch; (also) a piece of advice, an instruction. Cf. adviso, n. 1, adviso, n. 2. Obsolete.
  facts and figures1727–
  
  Factual details, precise pieces of information.
  tell1823–
  
  regional. Information or news about someone or something; tidings. Only with hear. Cf. earlier hear tell at hear, v. 3b.
  message1828–
  
  The broad meaning of something; an expressed or implied central theme or significant point, esp. one with political, social, or moral importance…
  renseignement1828–
  
  A piece of information. Also occasionally as a mass noun: information.
  khubber1878–
  
  Information, news, report, rumour.
  dope1901–
  
  Information, esp. on a particular subject or of a kind not widely disseminated or easily obtained; (a statement of) facts or essential details…
  lowdown1905–
  
  The fundamental facts or relevant information about something, (originally) esp. when secret or confidential. Frequently in to give (also get, etc.) t…
  info1907–
  
  Information. Cf. info-, comb. form.
  poop1911–
  
  Up-to-date or inside information; the facts, the relevant information.
  oil1915–
  
  Australian and New Zealand slang. Information, news, the true facts. Frequently in good oil, dinkum oil, n.
  score1938–
  
  figurative. The essential point or crux of a matter; the state of affairs, the (present) situation; how matters stand; the full facts (about, on…
  gen1940–
  
  Information; facts. Also attributive.
  intel1961–
  
  Information, intelligence, esp. of military or political value; (also with capital initial) = intelligence department, n. Cf. intelligence, n. 6a, 6c.
  scam1964–
  
  A story; a rumour; information.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 6.b.
  1570–1820
  
  † A piece of information or news. Frequently in plural. Obsolete.
  1570
  Some be wakened with very wisperinges, as with secret rumors and intelligences.
  T. Norton, Disclosing of Great Bull sig. C i
  1592
  The busines of procuringe the intelligences of the world.
  T. Henage, Letter in H. Unton, Correspondence (1847) 268
  1655
  The just Gods..have sent me an Intelligence.
  Lord Orrery, Parthenissa vol. IV. ii. vi. 573
  1682
  For the suppressing all the weekly intelligences and other libells.
  N. Luttrell, Diary in Brief Historical Relation of State Affairs (1857) vol. I. 231
  1707
  The Keeper [of the Paper Office] hath in his Charge all the publick Papers..all Letters, Intelligences, Negotiations of the Queen's publick Ministers abroad.
  J. Chamberlayne, Angliæ Notitia (ed. 22) ii. xi. 147
  1751
  I sent for Nasgig to obtain some Intelligences I wanted to be informed of.
  R. Paltock, Life Peter Wilkins vol. II. xi. 122
  1820
  Many difficulties must eventually arise, from the want of those hints and intelligences which are to be derived from similar cases.
  Times 13 July 3/3
  society communication information [nouns] piece of
  somewhatc1175–
  
  A certain amount, esp. in the way of statement, information, etc. Frequently with of (= concerning). Now archaic.
  communication1481–
  
  Something that is communicated, or in which facts are communicated; a piece of information; a document containing information; esp. a letter.
  informationa1527–
  
  As a count noun: a fact or circumstance of which a person is told; a piece of news or intelligence; (in early use) an account or narrative (of…
  intelligence1570–1820
  
  A piece of information or news. Frequently in plural. Obsolete.
  adviso1591–
  
  A piece of intelligence or news; a report, a dispatch; = aviso, n. 1 (formerly also †letter of adviso). archaic in later use.
  intelligencies1623–1707
  
  In plural. News, items of information. Cf. intelligence, n. 6b. Obsolete.
  data1645–
  
  As a count noun: an item of information; a datum; a set of data. Also figurative.
  footnote1711–
  
  A note, reference, or additional piece of information printed at the bottom of a page, used to explain or comment on something in the main body of…
  steer1899–
  
  A piece of advice or information; a tip, a lead. (See also quot. 1970.)
  mail1975–
  
  Australian slang. Information, rumour, news; esp. a (racing) tip.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 6.c.
  1602–
  
  The obtaining of information, esp. of military or political value; espionage. Also (esp. in later use): the agency for obtaining such information; the people employed in such an agency, secret service.
  1602
  When will the Duke holde feed Intelligence, Keepe warie obseruation in large pay?
  J. Marston, Antonios Reuenge iv. i. sig. G2
  1617
  We have here the worst intelligence, of any Instruments that any Prince in Christendome doth imploy in so waighty a businesse.
  F. Moryson, Itinerary ii. 240
  1668
  Secretary Morris did this day in the House..say that he was allowed but 700l a year for intelligence.
  S. Pepys, Diary 14 February (1976) vol. IX. 70
  1697
  To land some Men purposely to get Prisoners for intelligence.
  W. Dampier, A New Voyage Round the World vi. 133
  1710
  Pinnace,..a small Vessel, with a Square Stern, going with Sails and Oars, and carrying three Masts;..used as a Scout for Intelligence, and for Landing of Men.
  J. Harris, Lexicon Technicum vol. II
  1797
  Scouts were instantly despatched for intelligence, who brought accounts, that the generals and the army were at Tusculum.
  G. Baker, translation of Livy, History of Rome vol. I. iv. 416
  1819
  I..met with Ian of Glenroy, who had been out for intelligence. Argyle is moving upon Inverlochy with three thousand chosen men.
  W. Scott, Legend of Montrose in Tales of my Landlord vol. IV. x. 218
  1850
  The reason why the Times and other papers were charged so high as 5d...was that they put themselves to an immense expense for intelligence.
  Hansard Commons 16 April 414
  1915
  The Intelligence with its stupefying photo-plans of the enemy's trenches.
  R. Kipling, France at War 21
  1949
  A person who has something to hide can't really afford to talk at all. The blokes knew that in Intelligence during the war.
  A. Christie, Crooked House xii. 95
  1974
  Tizard has managed to get it through that someone should be seconded to British Intelligence for a while.
  Listener 31 January 142/1
  1986
  We're supposed to be in Intelligence, aren't we?
  D. Potter, Singing Detective vi. 229
  2001
  We work closely with them, both militarily and in terms of intelligence and we will do everything that we can to assist the US in bringing these people to justice.
  Times 12 September (Terror in Amer. Supplement) 12/3
  espionage
  the mind attention and judgement enquiry investigation, inspection secret observation, spying [nouns]
  spying1338–
  
  The action of the verb, in various senses.
  espying1340–
  
  The action of espy, v. In Wyclif, lying in wait; a snare. Also attributive.
  espialc1386–
  
  The action of espying or spying. The acting as a spy; the action of keeping watch; observation. Also attributive.
  espyc1386–1608
  
  The action of espying; espial, espionage.
  spyc1450–
  
  The action of spying; secret observation or watching; an instance or occasion of this. Chiefly in phrases.
  especiala1500–55
  
  = espial, n. 1.
  spieryc1588–1602
  
  The fact or condition of being a spy; the action of spying; espionage.
  intelligence1602–
  
  The obtaining of information, esp. of military or political value; espionage. Also (esp. in later use): the agency for obtaining such…
  worming1607
  
  The practice of a spy or informer. (In quot. 1607 attributive.) Obsolete.
  scouting1644–
  
  Spying, reconnoitring.
  espionage1793–
  
  The practice of spying, or of employing spies.
  spyism1847–
  
  Espionage.
  spydom1859–
  
  Spying; espionage; the world of spies.
  obbo1933–
  
  Observation, esp. in police work; an assignment involving this.
  great game1936–
  
  The struggle for power and influence in southern central Asia and the north-west borders of India and present Pakistan, spec. that between Britain…
  spooking1977–
  
  The action of spying.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
1. 7.a.
  1523–
  
  Exchange of knowledge, information, opinion, etc.; mutual conveyance of information; communication, esp. of confidential information. Now chiefly with with (an enemy, etc.). Also figurative.
  1523
  And as for thintelligence that thempero^r wryteth of to his embassiato^r here that he hath in Guyen w^t hope to attayne certayne townys.
  T. More, Letter 23 September in J. Delcourt, Essaie langue Sir Thomas More (1914) 337
  1531
  Also intelligence is nowe vsed for an elegant worde, where there is mutuall treaties or appoyntementes, eyther by letters or message.
  T. Elyot, The Boke Named The Gouernour iii. xxiii. sig. gvi^v
  c1550
  Ane prince of athenes callit circisus..hed secret intelligens vitht xerxes kyng of perse.
  Complaynt of Scotland (1979) ix. 62
  1560
  He shal euen returne, & haue intelligence with them that forsake the holie couenant.
  Bible (Geneva) Daniel xi. 30
  1614
  That they might repaire to each other, and keepe intelligence by River.
  W. Raleigh, History of World i.i. viii. §6. 141
  1637
  Of these brave sprits..The tongues of Time, interpreting the dead, Who entertaine intelligence 'twixt States By registring all what was famous made.
  W. Alexander, Doomes-day vii. c. 162 in Recreations with Muses
  1664
  [Constellations] as they came from hence, With us may hold Intelligence.
  S. Butler, Hudibras: Second Part ii. iii. 192
  1717
  They took it into their heads..he was of intteligence with the Enemy.
  Lady M. W. Montagu, Letter 12 February (1965) vol. I. 306
  1720
  They were of Intelligence together.
  D. Manley, Power of Love iv. 250
  1815
  M. the Baron Pasquier, the first witness for the defendant..justified M. the Count Lavalette against the charge of having held intelligence with Buonaparte.
  Times 27 November 2/5
  1854
  Denunciations of..the barbarity of these..who were accused of secret intelligence and confederacy with the Mahommedans.
  H. H. Milman, History of Latin Christianity vol. III. vii. vi. 240
  1933
  There was a third class of offenses: stealing, perjury, false official statements, cowardice, holding intelligence with the enemy and plundering.
  William & Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine vol. 13 86
  1961
  I was also charged with possessing a radio, arms, explosives; of having blown up ships; of having intelligence with the enemy.
  P. de Vomécourt, Army of Amateurs x. 111
  2007
  If numerous trials were held in the aftermath of the Second World War, they were based on Article 75 of the French Penal Code, which dealt with the crimes of treason and of intelligence with the enemy.
  C. Fournet, Crime of Destr. & Law of Genocide iii. ix. 120
  society communication [nouns] of a secret nature
  intelligence1523–
  
  Exchange of knowledge, information, opinion, etc.; mutual conveyance of information; communication, esp. of confidential information. Now chiefly…
  intelligency1598–1777
  
  = intelligence, n. 7a. Obsolete.
  correspondence1639–1772
  
  Often, intercourse or communications of a secret or illicit nature. Obsolete.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 7.b.
  1549–1845
  
  † spec. Communication of esp. confidential information by a secret agent, ambassador, etc.; an instance of this. Obsolete.
  1549
  This knowlage came through intelligence, that the frenche ambassadour had with one of the Uenetian Secretaries, who through corrupcion of money, disclosed all the procedynges of the priuie counsaile.
  W. Thomas, Historie of Italie f. 112
  1587
  Diuerse aduertisements thereof sent..by other good meanes and intelligences from hir ambassadors and seruants residing in other countries.
  A. Fleming et al., Holinshed's Chronicles (new edition) vol. III. Contin. 1372/1
  1695
  He practis'd private Intelligences in the Danish Court.
  W. Temple, Introduction to History of England 565
  1757
  It was pretended that Satisfaction should be given for the secret Intelligence which the last Ambassadors from the States had held with the late King, during the Civil War.
  New Hist. Eng. vol. II. 317
  1845
  Granmont endeavoured to pacify her, and to extenuate his royal master's conduct on the plea of expediency, and want of intelligence with the former ambassadors.
  Encyclopædia Metropolitana vol. XII. 736/2
  society communication information [nouns] private
  intelligence1549–1845
  
  spec. Communication of esp. confidential information by a secret agent, ambassador, etc.; an instance of this. Obsolete.
  air1622–60
  
  A communication, esp. of confidential information. Obsolete.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
8.
1597–

A basis of communication or a relation between people or parties; an understanding between or with. Frequently with modifying word, as good, bad, etc. Also in extended use. Now rare.
1597
That ill intelligence that we many times see between great personages.
F. Bacon, Essayes f. 5
1605
The Sciences..which haue had better intelligence..with the imagination..than with..reason, are..Astrologie, Naturall Magicke, and Alcumy.
F. Bacon, Of Aduancement of Learning i. sig. F3
1654
Intestine discord between the King and his Barons, bad intelligence with Neighbour-Princes.
J. Bramhall, Just Vindication of Church of England vi. 146
1696
Intelligence,..the Union and Amity between two or more Persons that rightly understand one another.
E. Phillips, New World of Words (new edition)
1740
He sent an embassy..to renew the good intelligence between them.
translation of C. Rollin, The Ancient History of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians, and Grecians (2nd edition) vol. VII. 107
1772
She still saw, with vexation, a good intelligence between the king and her relation.
translation of A. de La Roche-Guihen, Hist. Female Favourites 271
1827
Having made truce with Joachim..it was to last no longer than his good intelligence with her ally.
W. Scott, Life of Napoleon vol. VIII. xv. 405
1854
Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself?
H. D. Thoreau, Walden 140
1863
He had too much lustiness of mind..to be capable of living on terms of close intelligence with the..statesmen of Berlin.
A. W. Kinglake, Invasion of Crimea vol. I. xxvi. 446
1912
Morville..showed sensible pleasure saying that nothing could be more agreeable to France than to see Great Britain and Prussia more closely united, and that he himself had done his best to procure a good intelligence between them.
English Historical Review vol. 27 76
1955
In ‘Portrait of a Lady’..the reader holds intelligence with the man in the case, though..it is the woman who is the active partner in the relationship.
Modern Philology vol. 53 123/1
the world relative properties relationship [nouns] between persons, communities, etc.
relationc1485–

The position which one person holds with regard to another by means of social or other mutual connections; the connection of people by…
correspondency1588–1724

= correspondence, n. 4. Obsolete.
intelligence1597–

A basis of communication or a relation between people or parties; an understanding between or with. Frequently with modifying word, as good, bad…
correspondence1599–1835

Relation between persons or communities; usually qualified as good, friendly, fair, ill, etc. Obsolete. (Very common in 17th cent.)
necessitude1612–

Relation or connection between persons; an instance of this. Now rare.
correlation1649–52

Relationship (of persons). Obsolete.
connection1768–

A personal relation of intercourse, intimacy, common interest, or action; a having to do with. Often with plural.
belongingness1854–

The state or condition of belonging; an instance of this.
association1882–

A personal connection or link; esp. attributive in association book, association copy, a volume showing some mark of personal connection with the…
intercommunalism1971–

View in Historical Thesaurus

Pronunciation

British English

/ɪnˈtɛlᵻdʒ(ə)n(t)s/

in-TEL-uh-juhns

U.S. English

/ᵻnˈtɛlədʒ(ə)n(t)s/

uhn-TEL-uh-juhns

Frequency

intelligence is one of the 2,000 most common words in modern written English. It is similar in frequency to words like brief, dangerous, incorporate, revolution, and valuable.

It typically occurs about 40 times per million words in modern written English.

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

Frequency of intelligence, n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	36
1760	41
1770	44
1780	56
1790	50
1800	49
1810	51
1820	52
1830	56
1840	56
1850	59
1860	51
1870	48
1880	48
1890	45
1900	40
1910	40
1920	50
1930	49
1940	41
1950	38
1960	39
1970	39
1980	36
1990	35
2000	40
2010	40

Frequency of intelligence, n., 2017–2025

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Period	Frequency per million words
2017	47
2018	49
2019	46
2020	40
2021	40
2022	39
2023	57
2024	59
2025	66

Quotations

Earlier version

In other dictionaries

Factsheet

What does the noun intelligence mean?

How common is the noun intelligence?

What is the etymology of the noun intelligence?

What is the earliest known use of the noun intelligence?

How is the noun intelligence pronounced?

British English

U.S. English

Nearby entries

Etymology

Summary

Notes

Meaning & use

Quotations

Contents

Earlier version

In other dictionaries

Pronunciation

British English

U.S. English

British English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

U.S. English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Simple Text Respell

Consonants

Vowels

Forms

Date of use

Variant forms

Frequency

Frequency of intelligence, n., 1750–2010

Frequency of intelligence, n., 2017–2025

Compounds & derived words

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Contents