intensive

¹in·ten·sive

adjective \in-ˈten(t)-siv\

Definition of INTENSIVE

: of, relating to, or marked by intensity or intensification: as

a : highly concentrated <intensive study>

b : tending to strengthen or increase; especially : tending to give force or emphasis <intensive adverb>

c : constituting or relating to a method designed to increase productivity by the expenditure of more capital and labor rather than by increase in scope <intensive farming>

— in·ten·sive·ly adverb

— in·ten·sive·ness noun

Examples of INTENSIVE

1. an intensive course in business writing
2. <an intensive effort to prevent an adult bookstore from opening in town>

First Known Use of INTENSIVE

15th century

Related to INTENSIVE

Synonyms

acute, almighty, blistering, deep, dreadful, excruciating, explosive, exquisite, fearful, fearsome, ferocious, fierce, frightful, furious, ghastly, hard, heavy, heavy-duty, hellacious, intense, keen, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent

Antonyms

light, moderate, soft

Related Words

accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe

Near Antonyms

feeble, weak; shallow, superficial; moderated, qualified; alleviated, eased, lightened, toned (down); abated, decreased, diminished, lessened, reduced, subdued

²intensive

noun

Definition of INTENSIVE

: an intensive linguistic element

First Known Use of INTENSIVE

1813

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with INTENSIVE

defensive, offensive

in·ten·sive

adjective \in-ˈten(t)-siv\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INTENSIVE

: of, relating to, or marked by intensity; especially : involving the use of large doses or substances having great therapeutic activity—compare aggressive 3

—in·ten·sive·ly adverb