intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē 

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

: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms

• ardency
• ardor
• emotion
• enthusiasm
• fervency
• fervidness
• fervor
• fire
• heat
• intenseness
• passion
• passionateness
• vehemence
• violence
• warmth
• white heat

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

The Panthers ramped up the intensity in the third period, especially in the early minutes by firing 16 shots on goal against Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman, but nothing got past him. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024

Still, Stella worked with a sustained intensity to the end. —Deborah Solomon, New York Times, 5 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intensity

• high-intensity interval training
• hyper-intensity

Kids Definition

intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē 

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 

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

: saturation sense 4a