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Glite Dictionary
I.Q.

I.Q.

3.8
A number that shows how smart a person is on a standard test
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪˈkju/
translation icon : C.I.
  • Many people mistakenly believe that I.Q. tests can fully measure intelligence.

Examples

  • The average I.Q. score is 100.

  • Her I.Q. is remarkably high.

  • Her I.Q. was tested as part of the university's entrance process.

  • Many people mistakenly believe that I.Q. scores alone determine future success.

  • The psychologist explained how a child's I.Q. can change as they grow.

  • The average I.Q. score is considered to be 100.

  • Her I.Q. was above average, indicating strong cognitive abilities.

Synonyms

intelligence quotient
vsI.Q.
  • Specialized
1 5.1

A number that shows how smart a person is based on a test

is the abbreviated written form used instead of the full phrase

How Intelligent

I.Q.
3.8

Surface Forms

I.Q. singular

Morphology

I.Q. = I + Q

This is an initialism (I.Q. = intelligence quotient); the letters themselves do not transparently convey the meaning to an average learner without knowledge of the expansion.

Etymology

I.Q. is short for intelligence and quotient, where 'quotient' means 'the result of a division'. A helpful way to remember this is to think of a simple math division: early tests made one number by dividing a person's 'mental age' by their 'real age'. So I.Q. is the single number people use to measure a person's intelligence on tests.