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 Word Forms

• hyperintensely adverb
• overintensely adverb
• superintensely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intensely¹

intense ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

An intensely private man, Armani retreated into himself and considered retirement.

From BBC

His on-ball quality, however, is relatively untested given the Belgian opposition faced don't press as intensely as the forwards in the Premier League.

From BBC

All of this is intensely personal to Shriver, as it is to millions of Southern Californians.

From Los Angeles Times

The term carries an intensely pejorative connotation in the group and speaks to the imbalance of power between the singer and his fawning entourage.

From Los Angeles Times

The breaches were "intensely difficult and embarrassing for the government handling publicly", one defence source said.

From BBC

Related Words

• fiercely 
• profoundly 
• strongly 
• vehemently 
• very