intelligence

Meaning

Noun

• Capacity of mind, especially to understand principles, truths, facts or meanings, acquire knowledge, and apply it to practice; the ability to comprehend and learn.
• An entity that has such capacities.
• Information, usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile activities.
• A political or military department, agency or unit designed to gather information, usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile activities.
• Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.

Related

Similar words

• wit, intellect, brightness

Origin

• From Middle English intelligence, from Old French intelligence, from Latin intelligentia, which is from inter- + legere, or Proto-Italic *legō ("to care"). intelligentsia.