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Intense: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:extremely strong (intense)

intense 🔊
/ɪnˈtɛns/
adj.
Something that is very strong, powerful, or extreme, like a bright light or sharp pain.
Intense heat illustrated by a blazing sun over a desert with visible heat waves.
extremely strong 🔊
/ɪkˈstriːmli strɒŋ/
adj.
Describes something that is very powerful, extreme, or forceful, often in a physical sense.
📁 Category:Natural Geography 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'intensus', meaning 'stretched tight', from 'intendere' (to stretch).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'in tension' for situations of high stress or extreme concentration.
📖 Example
The intense midday sun made it difficult to walk outside without sunglasses. 🔊 The midday sun was so strong that it was hard to walk outside without sunglasses.
🔗 Collocations
intense heat – very high temperature
intense light – extremely bright illumination
intense pain – very sharp and severe discomfort
🔄 Synonyms
powerful (adj.) – having great strength or intensity
extreme (adj.) – reaching a high degree; very great
severe (adj.) – very intense or harsh
🚫 Antonyms
mild (adj.) – gentle and not extreme
weak (adj.) – lacking strength or force
🌱 Derivatives
intensity (n.) – the quality of being intense
intensely (adv.) – in an intense manner
📖 Cultural Story
Intense originates from Latin 'intensus', the past participle of 'intendere' (to stretch). This reflects the idea of tension, evolving in English to describe extreme strength or deep focus.

Meaning 2:highly focused (intense)

intense 🔊
/ɪnˈtɛns/
adj.
A person who is very focused, serious, and fully involved in what they are doing.
Intense focus shown in a close-up portrait of a concentrated athlete's determined expression.
highly focused 🔊
/ˈhaɪli ˈfoʊkəst/
adj.
Describes a person who is very serious, concentrated, and fully engaged in an activity.
📁 Category:Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
You could see the intense look in her eyes as she prepared for the final shot of the game. 🔊 Her eyes showed deep concentration as she got ready for the game's final shot.
🔗 Collocations
intense concentration – very deep and focused attention
intense stare – a very serious and fixed look
intense effort – great and concentrated exertion
🔄 Synonyms
concentrated (adj.) – wholly directed to one thing; focused
serious (adj.) – solemn and thoughtful in manner
engaged (adj.) – busy or involved in an activity
🚫 Antonyms
distracted (adj.) – unable to concentrate because one's attention is drawn elsewhere
casual (adj.) – relaxed and unconcerned
🌱 Derivatives
intensity (n.) – the quality of being intense
intensely (adv.) – in an intense manner
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