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Meaning & use

intense

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ɪnˈtens/
US/ɪnˈtens/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Existing or occurring to an extreme or very high degree.

    Grammar: Compare with more intense and most intense in ordinary use; it can describe heat, pressure, pain, competition, or activity.

    Patterns

    • intense heat
    • intense pressure
    • intense competition

    The hikers rested during the intense midday heat.

    There was intense pressure to finish the audit by Friday.

    The final match drew intense interest from local fans.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Showing strong feeling, deep concentration, or great force.

    Grammar: Often describes eyes, stare, debate, friendship, or emotion; compare with more or most.

    Patterns

    • intense stare
    • intense debate
    • intense emotion

    She gave the puzzle an intense look and solved it quickly.

    The neighbors held an intense debate about the new zoning plan.

    His apology carried intense regret.

  3. adjectivecomparable

    Of a person, very serious, focused, or forceful in manner.

    Grammar: Can sound admiring or critical depending on context; use more intense rather than intenser.

    Patterns

    • an intense coworker
    • be intense about something

    Our new coach is intense but fair with the players.

    He can seem intense at first, though he relaxes once people know him.

    The interviewer was intense and asked for exact details.

Word forms

comparativemore intense
superlativemost intense

Common combinations

intense heat
The city opened cooling centers during the intense heat.
intense pressure
The nurse works well under intense pressure.
intense competition
Intense competition lowered prices for consumers.
intense debate
The proposal sparked intense debate at the town meeting.
intense stare
The cat fixed an intense stare on the bird outside.

Synonyms and how they differ

fierce
Fierce suggests violent energy or strong opposition; intense describes high degree or concentration without necessarily implying aggression.
severe
Severe fits serious negative conditions such as pain, weather, or punishment, but not usually a person's personality.
extreme
Extreme means at the farthest point of degree; intense can be high but still within expected range.
passionate
Passionate stresses strong emotion or commitment, while intense can also describe pressure, light, or focus.

Opposites

mildmoderatefaint

Word family

intensity noun
The degree of strength, force, or concentration.
intensify verb
To become or make something stronger or more extreme.
intensive adjective
Concentrated within a limited period or effort, as in intensive care or an intensive course.

Commonly confused: intense or intensive?

intense vs intensive

Intense describes degree or force; intensive describes concentrated activity, such as an intensive language course or intensive care.

Practice

The hospital offers an ___ care unit for patients who need constant monitoring.

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