Intensity
/ɪnˈtensəti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe quality or state of being intense; great energy, strength, concentration, or vehemence.
/ɪnˈtensəti/
The quality of being intense
The earthquake caused significant intensity in the region.
💡 Simply: Think of how strong something is. Like the loudness of a scream, or the force of a punch. Intensity is how much of something there is.
👶 For kids: It's how strong or powerful something is, like how loud a sound is or how hard someone is trying.
More Examples
She spoke with such intensity that everyone paid attention.
The intensity of the sun's rays can cause sunburn.
How It's Used
"The intensity of the light beam decreased with distance."
"The intensity of her grief was palpable."
"The pianist played with great intensity."
The degree or magnitude of something; often measurable.
/ɪnˈtensəti/
The degree or measure of something.
The intensity of the storm increased rapidly.
💡 Simply: It's like measuring how much of something. How bright a light is, or how much effort you are putting into a task.
👶 For kids: It's like a measurement that tells you how much there is of something. Like how bright a light is, or how much effort you are putting into a task.
More Examples
Doctors measure pain intensity to assess the severity of the condition.
The intensity of the color faded over time.
How It's Used
"The intensity of the light source affected the exposure."
"The pain's intensity was rated on a scale of 1 to 10."
Idioms & expressions
High-intensity
Involving a high level of energy or effort.
"A high-intensity workout."
With great intensity
In a forceful, passionate, or serious manner.
"The artist painted with great intensity."
From Late Latin *intensitas*, from *intensus* (intense) + *-itas* (suffix denoting a state or quality). *Intensus* comes from Latin *intendere*, meaning 'to stretch out, strain, or aim at'.
Used since the early 17th century, initially in a more general sense of 'being intense', often related to emotion or force. Became increasingly common in scientific and technical contexts in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Imagine INTENSE burning fire. Intensity is the strength of that fire.