n 1 a  :  the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations  b  :  the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)  2  :  mental acuteness in*tel*li*gent adj in*tel*li*gent*ly adv 
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.