Intensifier: meaning, definitions and examples

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intensifier

 

[ ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪər ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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?

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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

Translations of the word "intensifier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intensificador

🇮🇳 तीव्रक (teevrak)

🇩🇪 Verstärker

🇮🇩 penguat

🇺🇦 підсилювач

🇵🇱 wzmacniacz

🇯🇵 強調するもの (kyōchō suru mono)

🇫🇷 intensificateur

🇪🇸 intensificador

🇹🇷 güçlendirici

🇰🇷 강화제 (ganghware)

🇸🇦 مُكثَّف (mukathaf)

🇨🇿 zesilovač

🇸🇰 zosilňovač

🇨🇳 增强器 (zēngqiáng qì)

🇸🇮 ojačevalec

🇮🇸 styrkingarefni

🇰🇿 күшейткіш

🇬🇪 გამაძლიერებელი (gamadzlierebeli)

🇦🇿 gücləndirici

🇲🇽 intensificador

Etymology

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.

See also: intensely, intensified, intensify, intensity, intensively.