intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
Recent Examples on the Web And the actors certainly come to play: Wiig brings an off-kilter intensity to Maxine’s Barbie-perfect looks and pageant-ready smiles, so that no matter how hard Maxine works to blend in she cannot help but stick out. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 Each team appeared to bring their top-level intensity, Warriors coach Steve Kerr trimmed his rotation to a playoff-style nine. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Use two yoga blocks, an aerobic step, or a bench to lessen the intensity of the movement. Jacqueline Andriakos, Health, 13 Mar. 2024 Attach a solar filter over the camera lens to reduce the intensity of sunlight and prevent damage to the sensor. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Her permission to surrender ignited the intensity of my yearning for a mate and the magnitude of my failure. Cathleen Calkins, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Some skeptics of the allegations accuse Israel of using them to justify the intensity of its military actions in Gaza. Becky Sullivan, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 The risk of heart failure was 16% lower for every 30 minutes a day spent on moderate-to-vigorous intensity, defined as walking at a normal pace, climbing stairs, and doing yard work. Korin Miller Updated, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2024 Most rain should be light, but some moderate intensity is possible. Matt Rogers, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near intensity

Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

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