emotional intelligence

noun

: the ability to recognize, understand, and deal skillfully with one's own emotions and the emotions of others (as by regulating one's emotions or by showing empathy and good judgment in social interactions)

A large part of emotional intelligence is being able to think about and empathize with how other people are feeling. This often involves considering how you would respond if you were in the same situation.

—Kendra Cherry

We know that young children learn to identify, explain, and regulate their emotions, but we know much less about how children learn these things. They undoubtedly acquire some of their emotional intelligence from adults–—parents, teachers, and coaches, for example.

—Lawrence T. White

… thousands of workers during the "Great Resignation" discovered a new road map to success: being able to recognize and walk away from abusive situations. … Empathy, respectfulness and emotional intelligence are hallmarks of leaders for whom people enjoy working.

—Karla L. Miller

—abbreviation EI

called also emotional quotient

Examples of emotional intelligence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the last year or so, Badosa’s emotional intelligence has been valued by those closest to her. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Empathy, collaboration, emotional intelligence – often stereotyped as feminine traits – are crucial leadership skills, supported by extensive research. —Gemma Allen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Venus will conjunct Saturn in Pisces — shaking your expansive ninth house of adventure, wisdom and belief systems — presenting you with a chance to harness your intuition and emotional intelligence to create a practical plan. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Build emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key that unlocks both personal and professional growth. —Alan Fleischmann, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above