highly intelligent

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly intelligent" is a perfectly valid phrase used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone is very intelligent, or you can use it to describe a situation or thing that involves a lot of intelligence. For example: "My boss is highly intelligent; she always has the answers to any business questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's highly intelligent," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We are highly intelligent.

The New York Times

I would say highly intelligent".

Independent

That cat is highly intelligent".

The New York Times - Sports

Chances are you're highly intelligent.

Independent

Tony Blair was "highly intelligent".

The Guardian - Books

She said he was highly intelligent.

The New York Times

Even if they're highly intelligent.

The Washington Post

Highly intelligent, crows can be masterful mimics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was meticulous, disciplined and highly intelligent.

The New York Times

She's great fun and highly intelligent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly intelligent" to describe someone or something possessing exceptional mental capacity or understanding. Ensure the context aligns with the formality of the phrase, as it is generally suitable for neutral to formal settings.

Common error

While "highly intelligent" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in informal conversations or writing where simpler alternatives like "very smart" or "bright" would be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that matches the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly intelligent" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to describe someone or something possessing a high degree of intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly intelligent" is a well-established and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something possessing exceptional cognitive abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and accepted expression in written English. With examples spanning news, science, and encyclopedic sources, "highly intelligent" conveys admiration and recognition of superior intellectual capacity. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the register, favoring simpler alternatives like "very smart" in informal contexts. Related phrases such as "exceedingly intelligent" or "remarkably intelligent" can provide nuanced variations, allowing writers to fine-tune their expression. Using "highly intelligent" effectively hinges on understanding its communicative purpose and selecting vocabulary that aligns with the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceedingly intelligent

Replaces "highly" with "exceedingly" for emphasis.

extremely intelligent

Uses "extremely" instead of "highly" to intensify the intelligence level.

remarkably intelligent

Indicates intelligence that is worthy of attention.

exceptionally intelligent

Suggests intelligence that is beyond the ordinary.

brilliantly intelligent

Emphasizes the shining quality of the intelligence.

highly astute

Focuses on the keenness and perceptiveness of the intelligence.

profoundly intelligent

Highlights the depth and insightfulness of the intelligence.

incredibly smart

Uses a more informal term ("smart") to describe a high level of intelligence.

highly gifted

Emphasizes the natural talent aspect of intelligence.

possessing high intelligence

Uses a more descriptive phrase structure.

FAQs

How can I use "highly intelligent" in a sentence?

You can use "highly intelligent" to describe someone or something possessing exceptional mental capacity. For example, "She is a "highly intelligent" student who excels in all her subjects".

What are some alternatives to saying "highly intelligent"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely intelligent", "remarkably intelligent", or "exceptionally intelligent" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "highly intelligent" or "very intelligent"?

"Highly intelligent" suggests a greater degree of intelligence than "very intelligent". Use "highly intelligent" when you want to emphasize exceptional mental capabilities.

Can I use "highly intelligent" to describe animals?

Yes, "highly intelligent" can be used to describe animals that exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. For example, "Dolphins are known to be "highly intelligent" creatures capable of complex communication".