intense

If something is intense, it’s very strong.

• The intense heat and lack of rain caused the crops to wither and die.
• She suffers from intense pain in her back.
• Fighting in some parts of Syria has become quite intense in recent days.
• The man’s feelings for his wife were so intense, he never remarried after she died.
• They had a very intense relationship.
• That movie was so intense! (This adjective is popular when describing various forms of entertainment: movies, concerts, and sporting events.)

Add an "ity" ending to the word "intense" to make the noun, "intensity."

• There’s a tremendous amount of intensity in what she has to say.
• The intensity of the heat from the fire could be felt across the street.
• He does his job with a great amount of intensity.

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This page was first published on July 20, 2012. It was updated on March 9, 2015.