noun
Common
intensity
ihn-TEHN-sih-tee
Intensity (noun) means the quality or degree of being strong, forceful, or extreme. Example: “The intensity of the sunlight made us put on sunglasses at once.”
noun
1
The quality or degree of being strong, forceful, or extreme.
"The intensity of the sunlight made us put on sunglasses at once."
"The intensity of the workout left her exhausted."
"The storm grew in intensity as it approached the coast."
How to use intensity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow strong or extreme something is.
Common pairings
high intensity
increase in intensity
emotional intensity
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Word forms
- Plural
- intensities
Fill the gap
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The _____ of the sunlight made us put on sunglasses at once.
Etymology
From "intense" + the noun-forming suffix "-ity."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for intensity
See all rhymes for intensity →Frequently asked questions
What does “intensity” mean?
The word “intensity” means the quality or degree of being strong, forceful, or extreme. In plain terms, how strong or extreme something is.
How do you pronounce “intensity”?
“Intensity” is pronounced ihn-TEHN-sih-tee (/ɪnˈtɛnsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “intensity” in a sentence?
Here is “intensity” used in a sentence: “The intensity of the workout left her exhausted.”
What part of speech is “intensity”?
“Intensity” is a noun.
Is “intensity” a common word?
“Intensity” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "intensity" and "strength"?
"Strength" refers to how powerful or capable something is, while "intensity" describes how concentrated, extreme, or forceful that quality feels at a given moment. Exercise can build strength, but its intensity is how hard it feels while you are doing it.
What is the difference between "intensity" and "intenseness"?
Both are nouns formed from "intense," but "intensity" is far more common in everyday and scientific writing. "Intenseness" is rare and can sound awkward, so "intensity" is the safer choice in almost every context.
What words commonly go with "intensity"?
"Intensity" often appears in phrases such as "increase in intensity," "with great intensity," and "emotional intensity." In science it pairs with light, sound, and colour, as in "light intensity."
Can "intensity" be used in the plural?
Yes, "intensities" is used, especially in technical or scientific writing where measured levels are compared, such as "signal intensities." In everyday language the singular "intensity" is far more common.
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