intelligence

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
  2. noun a unit responsible for gathering and interpreting information about an enemy
  3. noun secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy)

Etymology

From Middle English intelligence, from Old French intelligence, from Latin intelligentia, which is from inter- (“between”) + legere (“to choose, pick out, read”), from Proto-Italic *legō (“to care”). Doublet of intelligentsia.

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