intense
Describes something that is very great in degree, strength, or force. It is often used to characterize strong emotions, extreme physical sensations, or situations that require extreme effort and concentration.
Examples
3 of 5The smell of fresh garlic was so intense that it filled the whole kitchen.
The smell of fresh garlic was so strong that it filled the whole kitchen.
The candidate was subjected to intense scrutiny by the selection committee during the interview process.
The candidate was subjected to extremely close examination by the selection committee during the interview process.
That workout was so intense, I can barely move my legs today!
That workout was so powerful and difficult, I can barely move my legs today!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'In-Tense': when a situation is 'intense', people's muscles and the atmosphere become very 'tense' and tight.
Quick Quiz
The ______ heat of the desert made it nearly impossible to travel during the afternoon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intense
Examples
The smell of fresh garlic was so intense that it filled the whole kitchen.
everydayThe smell of fresh garlic was so strong that it filled the whole kitchen.
The candidate was subjected to intense scrutiny by the selection committee during the interview process.
formalThe candidate was subjected to extremely close examination by the selection committee during the interview process.
That workout was so intense, I can barely move my legs today!
informalThat workout was so powerful and difficult, I can barely move my legs today!
Intense competition for limited resources often leads to significant shifts in ecological populations.
academicExtreme competition for limited resources often leads to significant shifts in ecological populations.
The firm is currently under intense pressure to meet its quarterly financial targets.
businessThe company is currently under great pressure to meet its quarterly financial targets.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
intense heat
extreme warmth or temperature
an intense person
someone who has very strong feelings or a serious personality
intense interest
a very strong desire to learn or know about something
Often Confused With
Intensive implies a high level of effort or resources concentrated in a short time (e.g., an intensive course), while intense refers to the strength or degree of a quality (e.g., intense heat).
Usage Notes
Use 'intense' to describe the inherent quality of something being extreme. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns like 'pressure', 'debate', or 'emotion'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'intensive' when they mean 'intense.' For example, they might say 'intensive pain' instead of the correct 'intense pain.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'In-Tense': when a situation is 'intense', people's muscles and the atmosphere become very 'tense' and tight.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'intensus', which literally means 'stretched tight' or 'strained'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The ______ heat of the desert made it nearly impossible to travel during the afternoon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intense
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
presolvful
C1A specialized noun referring to a preliminary batch of information or the initial capacity required to begin resolving a complex issue. It describes the state of having gathered enough preparatory elements to initiate a formal solution process.
dephotoation
C1Describes the intentional removal or degradation of photographic qualities and realistic details to achieve a stylized or abstract visual effect. It is primarily used in digital art and media theory to define a shift away from high-fidelity realism.
semiprobine
C1To conduct a preliminary or partial investigation into a system, process, or subject to assess initial conditions or feasibility. It is typically used in technical or analytical contexts to describe a non-exhaustive initial scan performed before committing to a full-scale inquiry.
bivenship
C1Pertaining to the legal framework or status derived from the Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents precedent, which allows individuals to sue federal officials for constitutional violations. It describes the specific remedial and procedural characteristics of such legal actions within the federal court system.
monoultimive
C1Describes the single, final element or unique terminal point in a specific sequence or process. It is used to emphasize that there is only one concluding step or outcome possible in a given logical or physical progression.
hypersancttion
C1A hypersancttion refers to an exceptionally severe, multi-layered, or totalizing penalty imposed by an authority or governing body. It describes a level of punishment or restriction that goes far beyond standard disciplinary measures, often aiming to completely isolate the target economically or socially.
informate
C1A term referring to the information or data automatically generated by a computerized process, which provides visibility into the underlying activities of an organization. Unlike simple automation, which merely replaces human labor, this concept focuses on the capacity of technology to translate processes into readable information for analysis.
intrajudcy
C1To conduct an internal evaluation or legal assessment within an organization or specific body to resolve a conflict or issue before it is moved to an external authority. This verb describes the process of deliberate internal adjudication used to maintain control over institutional standards.
unifacion
C1Unification is the process of combining or merging separate parts, organizations, or countries into a single, cohesive whole. It refers to the structural or conceptual act of creating a unified entity from diverse components.
hyperclaudal
C1Describing a state of extreme closure, excessive isolation, or severe restriction within a system or structure. It is frequently used in technical, theoretical, or test-specific contexts to denote a high degree of impenetrability that prevents external interaction or influence.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free