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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cultivating emotional intelligence enables effective communication, better relationships and successful navigation of workplace complexities. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Key episode topics include: leadership, leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, ambition, humility, listening skills, learning, Steve Jobs. Harvard Business Review, 1 Jan. 2025 Jupiter’s ingress into Cancer on June 9 invites expansion and growth into our personal lives, heightening our emotional intelligence while encouraging us to focus on nurturing, family and our perception of home. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025 To gauge a candidate’s emotional intelligence, Brothers relies on tough, introspective questions during interviews. Morgan Smith, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emotional intelligence 

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emotional intelligence was in 1978

Dictionary Entries Near emotional intelligence

Cite this Entry

“Emotional intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotional%20intelligence. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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