Intense
/ɪnˈtɛns/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by a high degree of emotion, force, or concentration.
/ɪnˈtɛns/
Exhibiting or characterized by great vehemence, force, or strength.
The game was an intense competition, with both teams giving their best.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super excited about something – like when you're waiting for your birthday or a favorite movie. That excited feeling, with all the energy and focus, is an intense feeling.
👶 For kids: When something is intense, it means it's very strong, like a super loud noise or a really bright light.
More Examples
The heat of the fire was intense, forcing everyone to move back.
He had an intense gaze that made her feel uncomfortable.
How It's Used
"The argument became quite intense."
"The intense radiation from the sun can be harmful."
"She felt an intense feeling of love."
Showing great concentration or determination; earnest.
/ɪnˈtɛns/
Having or showing great concentration or determination.
The athlete had an intense focus during the competition.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really focused on finishing a puzzle. You're looking closely and giving it your all. That's like being intense when you are determined and focused.
👶 For kids: When you're very focused on something, like playing a game and really trying to win, that's intense.
More Examples
She was an intense reader, always immersed in her books.
They worked on the project with intense dedication.
How It's Used
"The patient needed intense therapy."
"He was an intense student."
Synonyms
Acute
Ardent
Extreme
Fierce
Committed
Concentrated
Dedicated
Earnest
Focused
Idioms & expressions
intense dislike
A strong feeling of not liking someone or something.
"She felt an intense dislike for the rude customer."
intense heat
Very high temperature.
"The desert experienced intense heat during the day."
intense pressure
Great stress or demand.
"The deadline created intense pressure on the team."
From Latin *intensus*, past participle of *intendere* 'to stretch out, strain', from *in-* 'in, towards' + *tendere* 'to stretch'.
Used since the late 16th century, initially referring to physical tension or strain, then expanding to describe emotional or mental states.
Memory tip
Imagine stretching a rubber band very tightly; it's intense!