intense Hear it!

intense Definition

in·tense (in tens′)

adjective

  1. occurring or existing in a high degree; very strong; violent, extreme, sharp, vivid, etc. an intense light
  2. strained to the utmost; strenuous; earnest; fervent; zealous intense thought
  3. having or showing strong emotion, firm purpose, great seriousness, etc. an intense person
  4. characterized by much action, emotion, etc.

Etymology: ME < MFr < L intensus, pp. of intendere: see intend

intense Related Forms
in·tense′ly adverb in·tense′·ness noun
intense Synonyms

intense

modif.

intensified, strong, deep, profound, extraordinary, exceptional, heightened, strained, marked, vivid, ardent, extreme, undue, powerful, passionate, impassioned, emotional, high-strung, serious, diligent, hard, full, great, supreme, exaggerated, violent, excessive, acute, keen, piercing, cutting, bitter, severe, concentrated, intensive, forceful, all-consuming, sharp, biting, stinging, shrill, high-pitched, fervid, strenuous, fervent, earnest, zealous, vehement, harsh, strong, pungent, bright, brilliant; see also emotional 2, extreme 2.

intense Usage Examples

Preposition: at

  • time: I don't think you'd get many ' runners ' , as the music is really hypnotic and intense at the same time.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: Confidence in the market is making conditions intense with competitive bidding often resulting in multiple offers on the same property.

Modifies a noun

  • scrutiny: All the product of intense scrutiny of the Word of God.
  • lobbying: But after intense lobbying, the Home Office is expected to announce measures to help them in the next few weeks.
  • rivalry: Intense friendly rivalry between football clubs adds to the pleasure of the beautiful game.
  • heat: Nor had he trained for the intense desert heat, except for arriving a week early to the Death Valley start area.
  • pressure: Their profit margins are likely to come under intense pressure leading to the possible closure of smaller chemists in rural areas.
  • workout: An intense workout toning all muscle groups in body.

Modifying Another Word

  • emotionally: Carefully plotted, emotionally intense stories, both films are supported by professional production design, deliciously decrepit settings, and engaging characters.
  • incredibly: He's obviously, you know, Cillian plays him as incredibly intense.
  • moderately: She advises that sedentary individuals slowly build up their exercise level from light to moderately intense.
  • sufficiently: Throughout much of the region tidal mixing is sufficiently intense to ensure that the water column remains well mixed throughout the year.
  • pretty: The bias toward the 80s and 90s is pretty intense.
  • fairly: The recruitment process was fairly intense, and consisted of a first interview then a longer, two-day assessment center.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Over the next few years the Methodist campaign became more intense.
  • grow: It was also the time at which the opposition of some archeologists grew particularly intense, increasing publicity for the hobby still further.
  • remain: There is every reason to believe that the pace of change will remain intense.
  • get: The competition for work is only going to get more intense.
  • feel: It may just be me but it felt less intense than the rest of the writing.

Preposition: in

  • area: We've been a little bit more intense in that area - making sure that we finish off our sets of six.