B2 adjective Neutral

intense

/ɪnˈtens/

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 5
1

The 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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
intensity
Verb
intensify
Adverb
intensely
Adjective
intense
Related
intensification
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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

1

The smell of fresh garlic was so intense that it filled the whole kitchen.

everyday

The smell of fresh garlic was so strong that it filled the whole kitchen.

2

The candidate was subjected to intense scrutiny by the selection committee during the interview process.

formal

The candidate was subjected to extremely close examination by the selection committee during the interview process.

3

That workout was so intense, I can barely move my legs today!

informal

That workout was so powerful and difficult, I can barely move my legs today!

4

Intense competition for limited resources often leads to significant shifts in ecological populations.

academic

Extreme competition for limited resources often leads to significant shifts in ecological populations.

5

The firm is currently under intense pressure to meet its quarterly financial targets.

business

The company is currently under great pressure to meet its quarterly financial targets.

Word Family

Noun
intensity
Verb
intensify
Adverb
intensely
Adjective
intense
Related
intensification

Common Collocations

intense pressure strong psychological or physical force
intense heat very high temperature
intense focus deep and concentrated attention
intense competition very strong rivalry
intense pain very strong physical suffering

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

intense vs intensive

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).

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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'.

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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

Can be used as an attributive adjective before a noun (intense heat). Can be used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb (The light was intense).

Quick Quiz

The ______ heat of the desert made it nearly impossible to travel during the afternoon.

Correct!

The correct answer is: intense

Related Words

presolvful

C1

A 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

C1

Describes 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

C1

To 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

C1

Pertaining 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

C1

Describes 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

C1

A 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

C1

A 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

C1

To 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

C1

Unification 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

C1

Describing 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.

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