The fundamental difference between being “smart” and being “intelligent” lies in the focus and breadth of cognitive abilities. Being “smart” focuses on specific, practical skills, while being “intelligent” refers to a broader and deeper general cognitive ability.
Both qualities have their importance and can be valuable in different contexts, but intelligence has a broader connotation and encompasses a broader spectrum of cognitive abilities. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about What is the difference between being smart and intelligent?.
What does it mean to be smart?
Being “smart” refers to having a acute ability or cunning to solve problems or find practical solutions in specific situations. Someone who is considered smart is skilled at making quick and efficient decisions, has an ability to Adapt to changes and can find creative solutions to the challenges presented to you.
Being smart also implies having a level of practical intelligence and practical skills in a particular area. A smart person may be very efficient at solving problems at work, finding ingenious solutions in everyday situations, having specialized knowledge on a specific topic, or possessing notable technical skills.
What does it mean to be intelligent
Intelligence can be understood in several ways. Being “intelligent” refers to having a superior cognitive ability that encompasses a wide range of mental abilities. It implies having the ability to understand, reason, learn and solve problems effectively in different contexts.
Intelligence is not limited to a specific area of knowledge, but can be applied in different disciplines and situations. Intelligent people usually have a extensive knowledge base and a generalized understanding of various topics. Below, we show you different approaches that define intelligence:
- Howard Garner: estimated that the approach could depend on, among which stand out: Musical, Visual-spatial, Naturist, Intrapersonal, Logical-mathematical, Existential, Interpersonal, Corporeal-Kinaesthetic, Linguistic-verbal.
- Catell: estimated IQ (intelligence quotient) based on a more operational type of intelligence, such as , based on performing mental operations to solve problems without prior knowledgeand crystallized intelligence, which depends on the breadth and depth of knowledge acquired by the person in one or several areas to solve difficult problems and adapt to a changing environment without the need for prior knowledge.
- Computing theory of mind: based on the simile between the mind and Hardware in the way people create, transform, encode, store, recover and use the information they receive from their environment.
Differences between being smart and being intelligent
The differences between being “smart” and being “intelligent” can be summarized as follows:
- How to use: on the one hand, a smart person develops the strategic ability to know how to use information to their advantage and to adapt to change at a specific moment in a strategic, skillful and astute way. On the other hand, an intelligent person has qualities inherent to the changes and challenges that life brings. Intelligence is related to a great
- Application area: Being smart refers to having specific and practical skills in particular areas, such as solving specific problems or having specialized knowledge in a certain field. In contrast, being intelligent involves a broader general cognitive ability and applies to various areas of knowledge and understanding.
- Functionality: Being smart is a skill more than a capacity. In relation to Cattell’s theories, it is more related to problem solving rather than the ease of storing information. On the other hand, cunning is a skill that can be learned and is related to the ease of relating concepts and learning from your experience.
- Adaptability: Being smart implies having a quick ability to find practical solutions in specific situations. Smart people can have great mental acuity and be resourceful in specific moments or problems. Being intelligent, on the other hand, implies a more generalized ability to adapt and solve problems in different contexts. Intelligent people can apply their understanding and reasoning skills in a wide range of situations.
- Depth of understanding: Being smart can be related to a quick, practical understanding of specific situations or problems. It can be more superficial and oriented toward immediate resolution. Being intelligent implies a deeper and broader understanding, encompassing abstract concepts and the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information.
- Genetics: Being intelligent may be linked to a genetic component, but being smart depends more on acquired knowledge and the strategy that the person has developed based on their way of analyzing and using reality.
Is it better to be clever or to be intelligent?
Being “smart” and being “intelligent” are concepts that are often confused or used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. It cannot be categorically stated that being smart is better than being intelligent, or vice versa. Both features have their advantages and can be valuable in different contexts.
Being smart can be useful in specific, practical situations, while being intelligent provides a solid foundation for learning and problem solving in a wide range of areas. In the end, The combination of both qualities can be very beneficial.
In short, it is neither better nor worse if they are not two different concepts that can complement each other. Intelligence can be useful to develop your academic and professional career and is not so applicable to day-to-day life. While you can apply cunning in small daily challenges or to face your life projects.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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