able to learn, think, and understand quickly and well
Maria is an intelligent student who solves complex math problems with ease.
Crows are surprisingly intelligent and can use simple tools to get food.
✦ Late Middle English, from Latin “intelligent-”, present participle of “intellegere” meaning “understand”.
showing clear thought, understanding, or good judgment
That was an intelligent question during the meeting.
She made an intelligent decision to save part of her salary each month.
✦ Derived from Latin roots meaning “choose wisely, understand”.
using advanced technology to sense, learn, and act automatically like a thinking person
The new smartphone has an intelligent assistant that answers voice commands.
Farmers installed an intelligent irrigation system that waters crops only when the soil is dry.
✦ Applied to machines since the mid-20th century with the rise of computing and artificial intelligence.
