Intelligence vs. Cleverness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, while cleverness is the quickness of mind to solve problems innovatively.
Key Differences
Intelligence is a multifaceted concept, generally referring to the ability to learn, reason, understand, and adapt to new situations. It encompasses a range of mental abilities including problem-solving, memory, abstract thinking, and comprehension. Cleverness, on the other hand, is often associated with ingenuity and quick-wittedness. It implies an ability to think quickly, solve problems innovatively, and manipulate situations to one’s advantage.
The depth of understanding and the approach to problem-solving are distinguishing aspects between intelligence and cleverness. Intelligence often involves a deep, well-rounded understanding of concepts and the ability to apply this knowledge in various situations. Cleverness may not require such depth but instead relies on quick thinking and the ability to find unconventional solutions to problems, often thinking "outside the box".
While both intelligence and cleverness involve cognitive abilities, the usage and manifestation of these abilities can be quite different. Intelligence is generally seen as a broader, more enduring trait, associated with the ability to learn and apply knowledge effectively, making it fundamental in academic and professional settings. Cleverness is more dynamic and situation-specific, often utilized in solving immediate problems and navigating social situations with wit and ingenuity.
In everyday language, the terms intelligence and cleverness may sometimes be used interchangeably; however, in psychological and educational contexts, they are distinct. Intelligence is often measured through IQ tests and is considered a stable trait over time. Cleverness, being more adaptive and context-dependent, may not be as easily measured and may manifest differently in different situations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
Quickness of mind to solve problems innovatively.
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Depth of Understanding
Involves deep, well-rounded understanding of concepts.
May not require in-depth understanding but relies on innovative thinking.
Measurement
Often measured through IQ tests.
More adaptive and not easily measured.
Application
Fundamental in academic and professional settings.
Utilized in immediate problem-solving and social situations.
Stability
Considered a stable trait over time.
More dynamic and situation-specific.
Intelligence and Cleverness Definitions
Intelligence
The capability of acquiring and applying knowledge and skills.
Intelligence is crucial for solving problems and making informed decisions.
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Cleverness
The quality of being clever and quick in thought or action.
His cleverness was evident in the way he solved the intricate puzzle.
Intelligence
The collection of information of military or political value.
The intelligence agency gathered crucial information about enemy plans.
Cleverness
The state of being smart, intelligent, and able to learn quickly.
The student's cleverness made him the favorite of many teachers.
Intelligence
A measure of one's ability to think abstractly, reason, learn, and solve problems.
His high level of intelligence is reflected in his excellent academic performance.
Cleverness
The quality of being able to create innovative solutions.
His cleverness allowed him to devise new methods to handle the task efficiently.
Intelligence
The capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity.
The project required the intelligence and expertise of several specialists.
Cleverness
The ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
Her cleverness enabled her to find a solution that no one else could see.
Intelligence
The ability to acquire, understand, and use knowledge
A person of extraordinary intelligence.
Cleverness
The trait of being sharp, ingenious, and resourceful in thought or ideas.
The cleverness of his invention was recognized with numerous awards.
Intelligence
Information, especially secret information gathered about an actual or potential enemy or adversary.
Cleverness
Mentally quick and original; bright
A clever student.
Intelligence
The gathering of such information
"Corporate intelligence relies on a slew of tools, some sophisticated, many quite basic" (Neil King and Jess Bravin).
Cleverness
Skilled at accomplishing things, especially with the hands
A clever carpenter.
Intelligence
An agency or organization whose purpose is to gather such information
An officer from military intelligence.
Cleverness
Crafty; cunning
"a hard-working kid who rose from poverty, only to be duped by rich, clever bankers" (Jeff Goodell).
Intelligence
An intelligent, incorporeal being, especially an angel.
Cleverness
Exhibiting ingenuity or imagination; creative or artful
A clever experiment.
Intelligence
Of mind, especially to understand principles, truths, facts or meanings, acquire knowledge, and apply it to practice; the ability to comprehend and learn.
Cleverness
Witty; amusing
An evening of clever repartee.
Intelligence
The quality of making use or having made use of such capacities: depth of understanding, mental quickness.
Cleverness
Characterized by cunning or shrewdness
Clever manipulation of public opinion.
Intelligence
(countable) An entity that has such capacities.
Cleverness
New England Easily managed; docile
"Oxen must be pretty clever to be bossed around the way they are" (Dialect Notes).
Intelligence
, often secret, about an enemy or about hostile activities.
Cleverness
Chiefly Southern US Good-natured; amiable.
Intelligence
(countable) A political or military department, agency or unit designed to gather information, usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile activities.
Cleverness
The property of being clever.
Intelligence
(dated) acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.
Cleverness
Something clever, or done cleverly.
Intelligence
The act or state of knowing; the exercise of the understanding.
Cleverness
The quality of being clever; skill; dexterity; adroitness.
Intelligence
The capacity to know or understand; readiness of comprehension; the intellect, as a gift or an endowment.
And dimmed with darkness their intelligence.
Cleverness
The power of creative imagination
Intelligence
Information communicated; news; notice; advice.
Intelligence is given where you are hid.
Cleverness
Intelligence as manifested in being quick and witty
Intelligence
Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.
He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any friendship with the favorites.
Cleverness
The property of being ingenious;
A plot of great ingenuity
The cleverness of its design
Intelligence
Knowledge imparted or acquired, whether by study, research, or experience; general information.
I write as he that none intelligenceOf meters hath, ne flowers of sentence.
Intelligence
An intelligent being or spirit; - generally applied to pure spirits; as, a created intelligence.
The great Intelligences fairThat range above our mortal state,In circle round the blessed gate,Received and gave him welcome there.
Intelligence
The division within a military organization that gathers and evaluates information about an enemy.
Intelligence
The ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
Intelligence
A unit responsible for gathering and interpreting information about an enemy
Intelligence
Secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy);
We sent out planes to gather intelligence on their radar coverage
Intelligence
New information about specific and timely events;
They awaited news of the outcome
Intelligence
The operation of gathering information about an enemy
Intelligence
The ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge effectively.
Her intelligence allowed her to grasp complex scientific concepts quickly.
FAQs
Is intelligence the same as cleverness?
No, intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, while cleverness is quickness of mind to solve problems innovatively.
Is cleverness more about quick thinking?
Yes, cleverness often involves quick thinking and the ability to find unconventional solutions to problems.
Is intelligence a stable trait over time?
Yes, intelligence is generally considered a stable trait over time.
Can cleverness help in social situations?
Yes, cleverness can be advantageous in social situations by allowing individuals to navigate conversations and relationships effectively.
Is high intelligence associated with high cleverness?
Not necessarily; while there can be overlap, high intelligence does not automatically equate to high cleverness, as they involve different cognitive abilities.
Can cleverness be measured like intelligence?
Cleverness is more adaptive and situation-specific and may not be as easily or accurately measured as intelligence, which is often measured through IQ tests.
Can a person be intelligent but not clever?
Yes, a person can have a high ability to acquire and apply knowledge (intelligent) but may not necessarily think quickly or innovatively (clever).
Can cleverness be learned or enhanced?
Yes, cleverness can be enhanced by developing problem-solving skills, thinking creatively, and gaining experience in various situations.
Does cleverness involve thinking "outside the box"?
Yes, cleverness often involves innovative thinking and the ability to find solutions outside conventional norms.
Is intelligence more valued in academic settings?
Generally, yes, intelligence is often more valued in academic settings due to its association with learning, understanding, and applying knowledge.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
