How to pronounce intelligence
Say it like in-TEL-uh-juns. Intelligence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intelligence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- TEL
- uh
- juns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intelligence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- junsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of intelligence
American and British speakers say intelligence in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈtɛlədʒəns/ in the US and /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-TEL-ih-juns.
What does intelligence mean?
- the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
- a unit responsible for gathering and interpreting information about an enemy
- secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy)“we sent out planes to gather intelligence on their radar coverage”
Where does intelligence come from?
From Middle English intelligence, from Old French intelligence, from Latin intelligentia, which is most likely from inter- (“between”) + legere (“to choose, pick out, read”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying intelligence
How do you pronounce intelligence?
Say in-TEL-uh-juns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈtɛlədʒəns/. In British English it is /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intelligence?
Intelligence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEL). Broken into parts: in · TEL · uh · juns.
Do Americans and Brits say intelligence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈtɛlədʒəns/ and the British form is /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.