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

How will a warming climate affect hurricane intensity? —Jack Prator, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

Ramprakash was famously earmarked for a golden future in international cricket but often fell foul of an intensity that trapped rather than released his glorious talents. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Brown loved the playoff intensity of this second Pacers game but acknowledged that some comfort has slipped in defensively. —Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Much of the intensity and coldness that sometimes lay behind Carter’s smile came from Rickover. —Jonathan Alter, TIME, 29 Dec. 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