Intel
/ˈɪntəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsInformation about an enemy or potential enemy or about a country's economic and social situation, especially when collected secretly.
/ˈɪntəl/
Information gathered, especially about an enemy or potential enemy.
The intelligence agency gathered intel on the terrorist group's activities.
💡 Simply: Intel is like the secret information you gather about what your friends are planning, whether it’s a surprise party or a new game!
👶 For kids: Intel is like secrets that grown-ups try to find out, like if someone is going to do something bad.
More Examples
The commander received crucial intel before launching the attack.
We need more intel about the company's financial situation before investing.
How It's Used
"The soldiers gathered intel on enemy movements."
"Police gathered intel to prevent the attack."
"Market intel is essential for strategic planning."
A large multinational corporation that designs and manufactures computer components.
/ˈɪntəl/
A shortened form of Intel Corporation, a major producer of computer processors.
The newest Intel chip promises significant performance improvements.
💡 Simply: Intel is the name of a big company that makes the part of your computer that does the thinking—like the brain!
👶 For kids: Intel is a name for a company that makes the important parts inside computers.
More Examples
Many computer manufacturers use Intel processors.
The company's research and development budget is impressive.
How It's Used
"My new laptop has an Intel processor."
"Intel is a major player in the semiconductor industry."
Idioms & expressions
intel gathering
The process of collecting and analyzing information, typically in a military, law enforcement, or business context.
"The team was focused on intel gathering to anticipate the competitor's next move."
Shortened form of 'intelligence', derived from the Latin 'intellegere' meaning 'to understand'. The term's use evolved from military and espionage contexts to encompass broader information gathering and analysis.
The term 'intel' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in military and spy novels. It became widely adopted to mean intelligence during the Cold War.
Memory tip
Think of 'intel' as the secret information spies collect.