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

Studios and other firms are under intense pressure to cut costs in an uncertain market that’s undergoing rapid change.

From Los Angeles Times

Storm Bert is the latest intense spell of weather that has caused extensive damage in various parts of the UK.

From BBC

So, in the next few days, there will be intense discussion and debate at Westminster.

From BBC

Despite three intense fixtures on the bounce, Borthwick opted against wholesale changes as he offered his regulars a chance to finish the autumn on a high.

From BBC

The recently resigned representative has been keeping busy with Cameo since intense scrutiny of his nomination for attorney general led to him bowing out of consideration for Donald Trump's Cabinet.

From Salon

Related Words

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