What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intelligent
Example
She is an intelligent student who always gets top grades. [intelligent: adjective]
Example
The scientist made an intelligent observation about the experiment. [intelligent: adjective]
Example
The intelligent design of the building impressed the visitors. [intelligent: adjective]
smart
Example
He came up with a smart solution to the problem. [smart: adjective]
Example
She always looks so smart in her business attire. [smart: adjective]
Example
The smart home system controls all the appliances with voice commands. [smart: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smart is more commonly used than intelligent in everyday language. Smart is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intelligent is less common and often used in academic or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intelligent and smart?
Intelligent is more formal and academic, making it suitable for professional or academic contexts. Smart, on the other hand, is more casual and colloquial, making it more appropriate for informal situations or everyday conversations.
