intense

[ in-tens ]

adjective

1. existing or occurring in a high or extreme degree:

   intense heat.

2. acute, strong, or vehement, as sensations, feelings, or emotions:

   intense anger.

   Synonyms: strong, ardent, passionate, fervent

3. of an extreme kind; very great, as in strength, keenness, severity, or the like:

   an intense gale.

4. having a characteristic quality in a high degree:

   The intense sunlight was blinding.

5. strenuous or earnest, as activity, exertion, diligence, or thought:

   an intense life.

6. exhibiting a high degree of some quality or action.
7. having or showing great strength, strong feeling, or tension, as a person, the face, or language.
8. susceptible to strong emotion; emotional:

   an intense person.

9. (of color) very deep:

   intense red.

10. Photography. dense ( def 4 ).

intense

/ ɪnˈtɛns /

adjective

1. of extreme force, strength, degree, or amount

   intense heat

2. characterized by deep or forceful feelings

   an intense person

Usage

Intense is sometimes wrongly used where intensive is meant: the land is under intensive (not intense ) cultivation. Intensely is sometimes wrongly used where intently is meant: he listened intently (not intensely )

Derived Forms

• inˈtenseness, noun
• inˈtensely, adverb

Other Words From

• in·tense·ly adverb
• in·tense·ness noun
• hy·per·in·tense adjective
• hy·per·in·tense·ness noun
• o·ver·in·tense adjective
• o·ver·in·tense·ness noun
• su·per·in·tense adjective
• su·per·in·tense·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intense¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin intēnsus, variant of intentus, past participle of the verb intendere “to stretch toward”; in- ², tense ¹, intent ², intend

Word History and Origins

Origin of intense¹

C14: from Latin intensus stretched, from intendere to stretch out; see intend

Example Sentences

“It was a big, intense search,” said the film’s director Jon M. Chu, who received Bode’s submission late in the casting process.

From Los Angeles Times

The JNF's terraforming projects have, in a sense, never stopped, even if intense and concerted human effort has tapered off in some areas since 1948.

From Salon

"With more frequent and intense hurricanes due to climate change, our model could significantly improve the accuracy of wind field predictions," said Hu.

From Science Daily

Instead, experts say most reinforcements were moved to Kursk from parts in Ukraine where the fighting is not as intense.

From BBC

For example, almond and vinegar became more intense when participants were happy or experienced a positive emotion, but if a person was even mildly stressed they perceived a less intense vinegar aroma, Loke said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• acute
• bitter
• deep
• energetic
• excessive
• extraordinary
• extreme
• fierce
• great
• harsh
• heightened
• intensified
• intensive
• powerful
• profound
• protracted
• sharp
• strong
• violent
• vivid