intensely

[ in-tens-lee ]

adverb

1. to a high or extreme degree:

   Many ingredients are rolled into this intensely flavorful and very versatile curry paste.

2. (said in reference to emotions or feelings) acutely, strongly, or vehemently:

   We should all be intensely angry about what is happening, and should do something besides just sitting at our computers absorbing information.

   I disliked the book intensely.

3. earnestly or strenuously; in a highly engaged or involved way:

   The first time I watched the documentary, all I saw was these four people talking intensely about their music.

Other Words From

• hy·per·in·tense·ly adverb
• o·ver·in·tense·ly adverb
• su·per·in·tense·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intensely¹

intense ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

She is intensely dramatic and also strangely hostile to the people who love her the most — her parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the court case began in early September, Mr. Lescole has attended regularly, sitting in one of two prisoners’ boxes, often stroking his long beard while watching intensely.

From New York Times

It is, for so many MPs, an intensely personal moment.

From BBC

Against Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen fought tooth and nail intensely all year and clinched it in that controversial finale in Abu Dhabi when the race director rode roughshod through the rule book.

From BBC

It's not just because the recently-resigned Florida congressman is intensely disliked, as much by fellow Republicans as Democrats.

From Salon

Related Words

• fiercely
• profoundly
• strongly
• vehemently
• very