inteligencia
“inteligencia” means “intelligence” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
intelligence, smartness
Also: intellect
📝 In Action
Ella demostró una gran inteligencia resolviendo el problema.
A2She showed great intelligence by solving the problem.
La inteligencia artificial avanza muy rápido.
B1Artificial intelligence is advancing very quickly.
¿Crees que la inteligencia se hereda o se aprende?
B2Do you think intelligence is inherited or learned?
intelligence
Also: espionage
📝 In Action
El departamento de inteligencia descubrió la conspiración.
B2The intelligence department discovered the conspiracy.
Necesitamos más inteligencia sobre la ubicación del enemigo.
C1We need more intelligence (secret information) about the enemy's location.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inteligencia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'inteligencia' to mean 'secret information' rather than 'mental ability'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *intelligentia*, meaning 'understanding,' 'knowledge,' or 'power of discerning.' It entered Spanish early on, keeping its core meaning of mental ability.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'inteligencia' countable?
Generally, no. When referring to the mental quality, it is treated as an uncountable concept (like 'water' or 'love'). However, when referring to different types of intelligence (e.g., 'inteligencias múltiples'), it can be used in the plural.
What is the difference between 'inteligencia' and 'intelecto'?
'Inteligencia' is the general ability to understand and learn. 'Intelecto' (intellect) is often used in a slightly more formal context, referring specifically to the mental ability to reason and think abstractly.