Reading Theme:
Intelligence Definition: Mental Ability & Secret Data (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：mental ability (intelligence)
intelligence
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/
n.
the ability to learn, understand, and think clearly; the power of your mind.
mental ability
➕
/ˈmɛntl əˈbɪlɪti/
n.
The capacity to acquire and apply knowledge and skills effectively.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'intellegentia' (discernment), from inter- (between) + legere (to choose).
💡 Mnemonic
Intel inside your brain: the chip that powers thought and secret missions.
📖 Example
The teacher was amazed by the child's intelligence; he solved the difficult puzzle in just a few minutes.
The teacher was amazed by the child's intelligence; he solved the difficult puzzle in just a few minutes.
🔗 Collocations
high intelligence – a great capacity for learning and reasoning
artificial intelligence – the simulation of human intelligence by machines
intelligence quotient – a score derived from standardized tests measuring cognitive abilities
🔄 Synonyms
intellect (n.) – the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively
wisdom (n.) – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
cleverness (n.) – the quality of being quick to understand and learn
🚫 Antonyms
stupidity (n.) – lack of intelligence or common sense
ignorance (n.) – lack of knowledge or information
foolishness (n.) – lack of good sense or judgment
🌱 Derivatives
intelligent (adj.) – having or showing intelligence
intelligently (adv.) – in a way that shows intelligence
intelligentsia (n.) – the intellectual elite of a society
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French in the 14th century, originally meaning 'understanding'. The espionage sense emerged during World War I when military agencies began collecting 'intelligence' on enemy forces.
Meaning 2：secret information (intelligence)
intelligence
/ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/
n.
secret information collected by a government or organization about its enemies or rivals.
secret information
➕
/ˈsiːkrɪt ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/
n.
Classified data gathered about adversaries or potential threats.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
According to the latest military intelligence, the enemy forces are preparing to retreat from the area.
According to the latest military intelligence, the enemy forces are preparing to retreat from the area.
🔗 Collocations
military intelligence – information about enemy forces and activities gathered for defense purposes
intelligence agency – a government organization that collects and analyzes secret information
intelligence report – a document summarizing findings from covert sources
🔄 Synonyms
espionage (n.) – the practice of spying to obtain secret information
information (n.) – facts or details about a situation
data (n.) – facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis
🚫 Antonyms
disinformation (n.) – false information deliberately spread to deceive
misinformation (n.) – incorrect or misleading information
open source (n.) – publicly available information, not secret
🌱 Derivatives
intelligence officer (n.) – a person who works in intelligence gathering
Wordbook
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