Are you really as intelligent as you like to think you are? A study shows men are more likely to overrate their intelligence than women. Jackie and Callum look at the results and at the language of abilities.
This week's question: The word 'intelligence' comes from the Latin verb 'intellegere'. This means...
a) to see b) to know c) to understand
Words to describe intelligent people bright (most often used with children) smart clever sharp quick
Words meaning 'the things you can do'
abilities Example: I'm not sure he has the right abilities for this job. We can be specific about kinds of abilities, for example, mathematical ability, musical ability etc.
skills Examples: I want to develop my writing skills. He is a skilled writer.
talents Examples: He has a talent for painting. He is a talented painter.
gifts Examples: She has a gift for singing. She is a gifted singer.
Note: gifts and talents are more likely to be used to mean natural abilities that you are born with, while skills are things you can learn or acquire.
to do something to the best of your ability to do it as well as you can Example: I promise I will do it to the best of my ability.