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

There are powerful moments, to be sure, surrounding the human drama, but, though moral questions are duly considered, the political drama registers less intensely — apart from it all seeming more than a little mad.

From Los Angeles Times

Stephens added: “Every high comes with a price, and I paid it. You don’t feel grief less intensely just because you’re well off.”

From BBC

It’s an intensely thrilling story, despite the fact that it’s almost completely people speaking inside closed rooms.

From Los Angeles Times

Conflicts are no longer confined between the rich and poor, they are playing out intensely between different generations, genders and political camps, he says.

From BBC

She says the idea of the Sisterhood choosing to be chaste and not have men around is something considered “intensely mysterious and threatening.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fiercely
• profoundly
• strongly
• vehemently
• very