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

With adjustable massage nodes, three levels of intensity and the option to concentrate on one area, the convenient massage chair is customizable to your needs. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Known for its intensity, moldavite can also help those born under this Air sign tap into their intuitive gifts and break free from stagnant energies. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025

Nike Nike’s high intensity sport’s bra is going to be your go-to for HIIT class, boxing, sweaty private training sessions, and more. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025

The lack of defensive intensity has become a problem for Orlando ever since All-Defensive guard Jalen Suggs suffered a low-back strain Jan. 3 at Toronto (10-32), where the Magic head back to on Tuesday. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025

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