Intelligent — From Latin to English | etymologist.ai
intelligent
/ɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.dʒənt/·adjective·1509·Established
Origin
From Latin 'intelligens' (discerning), from 'inter-' + 'legere' (to choose) — sharing its root with 'elegant.'
Definition
Having or showing a high degree of intelligence; quick to comprehend, learn, or apply knowledge.
The Full Story
Latin1500swell-attested
From Latin 'intelligēns' (understanding, discerning), present participle of 'intelligere' (to understand, to perceive, to discern), from 'inter-' (between, among) and 'legere' (to choose, to pick, to read, to gather). ThePIEroot behind 'legere' is *leǵ- (to gather, to collect). 'Intelligent' entered English independently from 'intellect' in the 16th century, preserving the participial (active, ongoing) quality: where 'intellect' names
), and 'ēlegāns' (tasteful — one who chooses well). Key roots: inter- (Latin: "between, among"), legere (Latin: "to choose, to pick, to read, from PIE *leǵ- (to gather)").