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
Kendra CherryWe 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
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
Karla L. Millercalled also emotional quotient
Examples of emotional intelligence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Influential Leadership cultivates the presence, emotional intelligence, and persuasion skills needed to drive change.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025
One of the most attractive qualities that someone can bring to a date is emotional intelligence.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Whether at camp or in classrooms, the difficulties children encounter in human relationships—the negotiations, compromises, and occasional conflicts—are essential for developing social and emotional intelligence.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Responsibilities for this role extend beyond safety checks to include managing in-flight emergencies, and providing customer service, which requires emotional intelligence, and adaptability.
—The Hill, 11 July 2025
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Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025
One of the most attractive qualities that someone can bring to a date is emotional intelligence.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Whether at camp or in classrooms, the difficulties children encounter in human relationships—the negotiations, compromises, and occasional conflicts—are essential for developing social and emotional intelligence.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Responsibilities for this role extend beyond safety checks to include managing in-flight emergencies, and providing customer service, which requires emotional intelligence, and adaptability.
—The Hill, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for emotional intelligence
Cite this Entry
“Emotional intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotional%20intelligence. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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