Intense: meaning, definitions and examples

🔥

Add to dictionary

intense

[ɪnˈtɛns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The competition was intense. He felt an intense pain in his chest. They had an intense debate about politics.
extreme	Used for conditions or situations that are far beyond the usual; can be positive or negative. The weather in the desert can be extremely hot. He went to extreme lengths to win the race. Her dedication to completing the project was extreme.
severe	Describes situations that are very bad, serious, or harsh; usually has a negative connotation. The region is suffering from severe drought. She received a severe punishment for her actions. He was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries.
acute	Often refers to something that is very serious, sharp, or sudden, usually related to pain or situations that need immediate attention. She felt an acute pang of guilt. The patient is experiencing acute appendicitis. There is an acute shortage of water in the region.
intensive	Refers to an action or activity that involves a lot of effort and concentration over a short period. She attended an intensive language course. The project required intensive research. They underwent intensive training for the tournament.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. The competition was intense, with every team pushing their limits. His intense stare made her uncomfortable.
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. She remained focused on her studies despite the distractions. The meeting was very focused on solving the budget issue.
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. He drank a glass of concentrated orange juice. The students' efforts were highly concentrated during the exam week.
vigorous	'Vigorous' is appropriate when describing actions that are strong, healthy, and full of energy. It often refers to physical activities. He gave a vigorous handshake to everyone he met. They engaged in vigorous debate about the new policy.
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. The energetic puppy ran around the yard all day. Her speeches are always very energetic and engaging.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "intense" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intenso

🇮🇳 तीव्र

🇩🇪 intensiv

🇮🇩 intens

🇺🇦 інтенсивний

🇵🇱 intensywny

🇯🇵 強烈な (きょうれつな)

🇫🇷 intense

🇪🇸 intenso

🇹🇷 yoğun

🇰🇷 강렬한

🇸🇦 مكثف

🇨🇿 intenzivní

🇸🇰 intenzívny

🇨🇳 强烈的

🇸🇮 intenziven

🇮🇸 ákafur

🇰🇿 қарқынды

🇬🇪 ინტენსიური

🇦🇿 intensiv

🇲🇽 intenso

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.

...
3309 unnecessary
3310 powder
3311 slave
3312 intense
3313 victim
3314 perception
3315 connections
...