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intensity

noun
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in·​ten·​si·​ty | \ in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio) \
plural intensities

Definition of intensity

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 : saturation sense 4a
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about intensity

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Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
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Recent Examples on the Web The Cavs could Okoro’s intensity, toughness and ability to thrive without the ball in his hands. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "Cedi Osman makes small forward decision tough on J.B. Bickerstaff: Fedor’s five observations," 19 Dec. 2020 There was a heightened intensity, a new determination, on the part of everyone involved. — Chuck Yeager, Popular Mechanics, "How the Late Flying Legend Chuck Yeager Broke the Sound Barrier," 8 Dec. 2020 But as the narrative moves forward, as Richard steadily accumulates wealth and influence under his brother’s watchful tutelage, the intensity of the drama increases. — Steve Donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor, "Richard III struggled against his two brothers for the crown," 1 Dec. 2020 The intensity of the nation’s grief fascinated — and rankled — her. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, "How do you get people to stop believing the lies? Ask artist Alison Jackson," 23 Nov. 2020 Or doesn’t bring the same dogged, stubborn, life-affirming intensity to every practice and every meeting and every film session. — Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football needs the old Jim Harbaugh to rescue them. He showed up Monday," 16 Nov. 2020 There have been and will be plenty of admonitions to ratchet down the size, though hopefully not the intensity, of celebrations. — Michael Smolens Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: COVID fatigue collides with the holidays," 15 Nov. 2020 The intensity of combat, the charge of gunpowder, the specter of violent death — such things can’t help but elicit a suitably blazing mental response. — Washington Post, "Why human progress is inextricably linked to war," 13 Nov. 2020 Many Americans are convinced that climate change is behind the battering, or at least the warmer seas that have fueled storm intensity. — National Geographic, "What steps will we take to keep America beautiful?," 10 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intensity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of intensity

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for intensity

Time Traveler

The first known use of intensity was in 1665

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Statistics for intensity

Last Updated

14 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for intensity

intensity

noun
How to pronounce intensity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intensity

: the quality or state of being intense : extreme strength or force
: the degree or amount of strength or force that something has

See the full definition for intensity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty | \ in-ˈten-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio) \
plural intensities

Kids Definition of intensity

1 : strength or force the sun's intensity
2 : the degree or amount of a quality or condition This storm is of a lower intensity.

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty | \ in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio) \
plural intensities

Medical Definition of intensity

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 : saturation sense 4a

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More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intensity

Nglish: Translation of intensity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of intensity for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intensity

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