intelligent - Encarta World English Dictionary

intelligent

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in�tel�li�gent [in tellij

nt ] adjective

1. mentally able: having intelligence, especially to a highly developed degree

2. sensible or rational: showing or resulting from an ability to think and understand things clearly and logically

an intelligent solution

3. COMPUTING able to store and process data: with built-in electronic processing and data storage ability

an intelligent terminal

4. COMPUT self-regulating: programmed to be able to adjust itself to changes in its environment and make deductions from information it processes

5. aware: aware, knowledgeable, or informed (formal)

The President has been made intelligent of the probable consequences of this policy.

[Early 16th century. From Latin intelligent- , formed from intellegere "to perceive, discern," from inter- "between" + legere "to choose, read" (source of English select and legible).]

in�tel�li�gent�ly adverb

Word Key: Synonyms

intelligent , bright , quick , smart , clever , able , gifted
CORE MEANING: having the ability to learn and understand

intelligent a general word used to describe a person or animal who is quick to learn and understand; bright an informal word used to describe somebody who is mentally alert and responsive; quick an informal word emphasizing the ability to recognize or understand things quickly; smart an informal word similar to bright, but also implying mental resourcefulness; clever having the capacity to learn quickly, often implying mental resourcefulness, but also cunning or ingenuity; able a word used, especially in educational circles, of children who are intelligent; gifted describes somebody who has an exceptional talent, especially somebody artistic or creative. Also used, especially in educational circles, of children who are exceptionally intelligent and learn easily.