Having or showing the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge effectively. Possessing good judgment and reasoning skills.
From Latin 'intelligens' meaning 'understanding,' from 'inter-' (between) plus 'legere' (to choose, read). Originally meant 'able to choose between' options, reflecting the idea that intelligence involves discrimination and selection.
The Latin roots of 'intelligent' literally mean 'choosing between' - intelligence was originally understood as the ability to discriminate and select wisely among options. This ancient definition anticipated modern AI's focus on pattern recognition and decision-making algorithms.
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