Intense Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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intense
[ɪnˈtɛns ]
Definitions
emotions
of extreme force, degree, or strength
Synonyms
acute, extreme, intensive, severe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
intense |
Used when describing situations, emotions, or activities that are very strong or powerful.
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extreme |
Used for conditions or situations that are far beyond the usual; can be positive or negative.
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severe |
Describes situations that are very bad, serious, or harsh; usually has a negative connotation.
|
acute |
Often refers to something that is very serious, sharp, or sudden, usually related to pain or situations that need immediate attention.
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intensive |
Refers to an action or activity that involves a lot of effort and concentration over a short period.
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Examples of usage
- Her intense love for him was evident in her every action.
- The intense heat of the sun made it unbearable to be outside for long.
- The intense pressure to succeed was overwhelming.
- The intense emotions she felt were a mix of fear and excitement.
- His intense focus on his work often left him exhausted.
activity
characterized by a high degree of concentration or activity
Synonyms
concentrated, energetic, focused, vigorous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
intense |
It's best to use 'intense' when describing something that involves a lot of energy, emotion, or action, often to the point of being overwhelming. 'Intense' situations demand much attention and can be very powerful.
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focused |
Use 'focused' when someone or something directs their attention or effort very specifically on a particular task or goal. It implies determination and clarity of purpose.
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concentrated |
Use 'concentrated' when referring to something that is gathered together in a dense or strong form. It can describe both physical substances and abstract concepts like effort or attention.
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vigorous |
'Vigorous' is appropriate when describing actions that are strong, healthy, and full of energy. It often refers to physical activities.
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energetic |
'Energetic' fits when describing someone or something that has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, involving a lot of physical activity or mental alertness.
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Examples of usage
- The intense workout left her feeling exhausted but accomplished.
- The intense training regimen pushed him to his limits.
- Her intense study habits paid off with top grades.
- The intense competition drove her to work harder.
- The intense pace of the game kept the players on edge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Intense emotions can lead to stronger memory formation, which is why we often remember highly emotional events distinctly.
- Studies show that intense experiences can activate specific areas of the brain related to decision-making, influencing how we perceive future choices.
Pop Culture
- Films labeled as 'intense thrillers' often keep audiences on the edge of their seats, using suspense and fast pacing to evoke strong feelings.
- Intense music or soundtracks, like those in action films, are carefully chosen to enhance emotions and create memorable moments.
Science
- In physics, 'intense' can refer to energy levels, such as intense light or sound waves, which have a greater amplitude and can be perceived more strongly.
- Intense heat in a scientific context can cause changes in materials, such as melting or combustion, leading to interesting reactions.
Literature
- Poets often use 'intense' imagery to evoke strong visual or emotional responses, creating vivid scenes that stick in the reader's mind.
- In novels, intense character development allows readers to connect deeply with protagonists, leading to emotional investment in their journeys.
Origin of 'intense'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'intense' comes from the Latin 'intensus,' meaning 'stretched' or 'strained,' which reflects its meaning of great strength.
- In the 14th century, 'intense' was primarily used to describe physical sensations before expanding to emotional and mental contexts.
The word 'intense' originated from the Latin word 'intensus', meaning stretched or strained. Over time, it evolved to describe something of extreme force or degree. The concept of intensity has been prevalent in human experience, reflecting our capacity for strong emotions and focused activities. The modern usage of 'intense' captures the idea of concentrated energy or heightened emotions, making it a versatile adjective in English language.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #3,312, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.
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- 3309 unnecessary
- 3310 powder
- 3311 slave
- 3312 intense
- 3313 victim
- 3314 perception
- 3315 connections
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