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.

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 )

Other Word Forms

• intenseness noun
• intensely adverb
• hyperintense adjective
• hyperintenseness noun
• overintense adjective
• overintenseness noun
• superintense adjective
• superintenseness 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

Schaeffer, who has the mien of Marine drill instructor, is animated and intense.

From Los Angeles Times

Following an intense backlash on social media, he walked the comments back, saying he would have supported the effort, signaling that positioning on this issue could play a meaningful role in 2028.

From Salon

That loss in 1977 saw a period of intense emotional turmoil.

From BBC

On Thursday night there was intense scrutiny in Thailand of a private jet carrying Thaksin out of the country.

From BBC

An intense 45-minute practice contained a lot of movement and work in different areas of her game - defending, attacking, serve returns - but there was also time for fun.

From BBC

Related Words

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