Artificial intelligence
/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/
nounB2
Definition
Artificial intelligence (AI) means making machines or computers do tasks that usually need human thinking. These tasks include learning new things, understanding language, solving problems, and making decisions. AI is not natural; it is created by people using computer programs.
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⚡ See It in Action
Computer systems that can perform tasks needing human thinking
- •Artificial intelligence can recognize faces in photos.
- •Many companies use artificial intelligence to improve customer service.
- •Self-driving cars use artificial intelligence to understand the road.
The study and design of machines that can learn and think
- •Scientists study artificial intelligence to create better robots.
- •Artificial intelligence research helps computers learn from experience.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "artificial intelligence" like "smart," but made by people and machines, not by nature or humans themselves.
- ✓Picture a robot or computer that can play games, answer questions, or drive a car by itself.
- ✓It's the feeling of amazement when a computer understands your voice or recommends a movie you like.
- ✓Sounds like "ART-if-ISH-ul IN-tell-uh-jens" → Imagine a smart robot painting art (artificial) and thinking deeply (intelligence).
- ✓Think of famous AI like Siri or Alexa, which help you by understanding your voice and answering questions.
- ✓NOT like "human intelligence" which comes naturally from people; AI is made by humans but works inside machines.
- ✓NOT like "simple machines" that only do fixed jobs; AI learns and changes by itself.
- ✓NOT like "magic" — AI works by using many data and rules created by humans.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Machine learning: a part of AI where computers learn from data (Use when focusing on how AI learns)
- •Automation: machines doing tasks automatically (Use when the focus is on machines doing jobs without human help)
- •Robotics: machines that can move and do physical work (Use when talking about AI in robots)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "artificial" (made by humans, not natural) + "intelligence" (ability to think and understand)
- •Etymology: "artificial" comes from Latin meaning "made by skill or art"; "intelligence" comes from Latin meaning "understanding"
- •Historical development: The term started in the 1950s when scientists began creating thinking machines
- •Modern usage: Refers to computer systems that can perform tasks like humans, including learning, reasoning, and problem-solving
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you think artificial intelligence will change the way people work and live in the future?
•Can artificial intelligence ever think or feel exactly like a human? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Artificial intelligence helps computers ___ new information without being told every step.
2.When a machine uses artificial intelligence, it can ___ problems like a person.
3.Unlike simple programs, artificial intelligence can ___ itself by learning from experience.
4.Self-driving cars use artificial intelligence to ___ the road and avoid accidents.
5.Artificial intelligence is different from human intelligence because it is ___ by people, not natural.
6.Many apps use artificial intelligence to ___ your preferences and suggest things you like.
7.Artificial intelligence can sometimes make mistakes because it ___ on data, not feelings.