Definition of intense
1a : existing in an extreme degree the excitement was intense intense painb : having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree intense colors
2 : marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration intense effort
3a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose an intense studentb : deeply felt
intensely
adverbintenseness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of intense in a Sentence
He shielded his eyes from the intense flash of light.
She has an intense dislike for her husband's friend.
After many years of intense study, he received his medical degree.
School reform is a subject of intense debate.
The work requires intense concentration.
He was an intense young man who was very determined to do well in school.
Recent Examples of intense from the Web
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That has raised concerns that the intense focus on a real estate market that may or may not keep growing will put at risk Fairfax’s most visible assets: major newspapers including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, based in Melbourne.
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Its work - already the subject of intense public scrutiny - has received even more attention since Trump fired Comey as director amid a probe into whether Trump's campaign coordinated with Russians to influence the 2016 presidential election.
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Using NICER, astrophysicists will be able to accurately observe the intense X-ray emissions that come from neutron stars.
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Supported by the European Union and NATO, the new government may come under intense pressure to solve major outstanding issues.
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Millions of Muslims marked the start of Ramadan Friday, a time of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts.
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Millions of Muslims marked the start of Ramadan Friday, a time marked by intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts.
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For new arrivals at the company, the sales culture was intense.
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Southern Cal Transit Fans is a refuge from all this, a place devoted to an intense and oddly focussed interest.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intense'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of intense
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intensus, from past participle of intendere to stretch out
First Known Use: 15th century
INTENSE Defined for English Language Learners
intense
playDefinition of intense for English Language Learners
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: very great in degree : very strong
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: done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort
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of a person : very serious
INTENSE Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
intense
playMedical Definition of intense
1a: existing in an extreme degree intense anxietyb: extremely marked or pronounced a neurodermatitis with intense itching and burning of the skin—H. G. Armstrongc: very large or considerable intense radiation
2a: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperamentb: deeply felt intense emotions
intensely
adverbLearn More about intense
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See words that rhyme with intense Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intense Spanish Central: Translation of intense Nglish: Translation of intense for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intense for Arabic speakers
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