Intensifier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intensifier

[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in language

A word or affix that gives emphasis or adds force to a statement.

Synonyms

amplifier, booster, emphasizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intensifier	Used to denote something that enhances the degree, strength, or force of another element. Adverbs like 'extremely' and 'absolutely' are commonly used as intensifiers.
emphasizer	This term explains a word or phrase that highlights or draws special attention to something. The underlined words serve as an emphasizer in the text, making them stand out. She used 'definitely' as an emphasizer to stress her decision.
booster	This word is commonly used to refer to something that increases or improves a function or performance, often in a supportive or supplementary manner. She took a vitamin booster to improve her immunity. We used a signal booster to get better internet reception.
amplifier	This term is often used in technical or musical contexts to indicate a device that increases the power or volume of sound. The guitarist plugged his instrument into the amplifier. You can hear the music better if you use an amplifier.

Examples of usage

"Really" is an intensifier in the sentence "I really like ice cream."
Other examples of intensifiers include "very", "extremely", and "incredibly".

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in chemistry

A substance that increases the intensity or effectiveness of a reaction or process.

Synonyms

augmenter, enhancer, potentiator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intensifier	Used typically in language to describe something that increases the degree or intensity of another thing, often found in discussions about emotions, rhetoric, and experiences. Adding 'very' as an intensifier can make your statement stronger. The teacher used an intensifier to convey the seriousness of the situation.
enhancer	Often used in marketing, product descriptions, and discussions about quality improvement, 'enhancer' refers to something that boosts the quality, value, or attractiveness of something else. The app has an image enhancer feature for better photo quality. Adding certain spices acts as a flavor enhancer in cooking.
augmenter	Commonly used in the context of technology, skills, and capabilities, 'augmenter' refers to something that increases or improves the effectiveness or value of another thing. The new software acts as an augmenter of our existing security measures. He perceived further education as an augmenter of his career prospects.
potentiator	Typically appears in scientific or medical contexts, 'potentiator' refers to a substance that increases the effectiveness of another substance or process. Caffeine can act as a potentiator for certain medications. Researchers are studying the use of potential potentiators for cancer treatment.

Examples of usage

Catalysts can act as intensifiers in chemical reactions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in photography

A chemical used to increase the sensitivity of photographic emulsion.

Synonyms

activator, developer, sensitizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intensifier	Used when describing something that makes a condition, feeling, or effect stronger or more extreme. Often utilized in general contexts such as emotions or effects like stress, flavor, or color. Adding cinnamon can act as an intensifier to the flavor. His words served as an intensifier to the already tense situation.
sensitizer	Used mainly in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe something that makes a subject more sensitive to specific conditions or stimuli. Often relates to allergies or reactions. Exposure to the chemical could act as a sensitizer and lead to an allergic reaction. The training served as a sensitizer for addressing emotional responses.
developer	Commonly used in professional and technical contexts, usually referring to someone who creates or develops software, strategies, or real estate. Also used in photography to refer to chemical substances that make an image visible. She works as a software developer. The developer mixed the solution to bring out the photograph.
activator	Primarily used in scientific or technical settings. This term often describes something that initiates or speeds up a process, such as in chemical reactions, biology, or technology. The enzyme acts as an activator in the biochemical process. Using a specific plugin can serve as an activator for additional features in the software.

Examples of usage

Silver nitrate is a common intensifier in black and white photography.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

In grammar, an intensifier usually modifies adjectives or adverbs, helping to express a stronger degree of a quality.
Common examples of intensifiers in English include words like 'really,' 'very,' and 'absolutely.'
Not all languages use intensifiers in the same way; some cultures may employ different structures to convey emphasis.

Psychology

Research suggests that using intensifiers can enhance emotional responses in listeners, making language more impactful.
People often use intensifiers to create a sense of urgency or importance in communication, influencing perception.
Overuse of intensifiers can lead to desensitization, where listeners become less responsive to the emphasized words.

Pop Culture

In social media posts, users often rely on intensifiers to capture attention quickly, such as 'SO amazing!' or 'totally epic!'
Reality television often employs heightened language with intensifiers to amplify drama, making scenes more engaging.
Popular music often includes intensifiers in lyrics to evoke strong emotions and connect with audiences.

Literature

Writers often use intensifiers to build suspense and intensity, enhancing the reader's emotional engagement.
Classic literature may feature fewer intensifiers, showcasing a different style of eloquence compared to contemporary text.
Modern poetry frequently employs intensifiers to bring out vivid imagery and strong feelings in a compact format.

Communication

In persuasive speech, intensifiers can play a crucial role by making arguments seem more compelling and urgent.
Public speakers often strategically use intensifiers to motivate and inspire their audience, drawing attention to key points.
Using intensifiers effectively in conversation can improve clarity and enhance the impact of the message delivered.

Origin of 'intensifier'

The word "intensifier" originated in the early 19th century, derived from the verb "intensify". The concept of intensifying or increasing the strength or power of something has been a part of human language and scientific endeavors for centuries. The use of intensifiers in language has evolved to enhance communication and express emphasis effectively.