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intensity
/ɪnˈtɛnsɪti/
strength of force or feeling
The intensity of the storm caused widespread power outages.
The strength of the storm was so great that it knocked out electricity in many areas.
formal
The quality or state of being intense; extreme strength, force, or degree.
She spoke with great intensity about her passion for art.
She spoke with strong emotion and force regarding her love for art.
Used for emotions, physical forces, or abstract qualities.
Technology
technical
The strength of a physical phenomenon, such as light, sound, or radiation.
The sensor measures the intensity of the incoming light.
The device calculates how strong the light hitting it is.
Common in physics and engineering contexts.
informal
A state of deep concentration or focused effort.
He worked with great intensity to finish the project on time.
He worked with extreme focus and determination to meet the deadline.
Often implies mental or physical strain.
Collocations
high intensityvery strong force or effortemotional intensitystrong feelingslight intensitybrightness of light
Pro Tip
Collocation Tip
Pair 'intensity' with adjectives like 'high', 'low', 'great', or 'increasing' to describe degrees of strength or focus.
Gold Rule
Part of Speech
Always use 'intensity' as a noun. Use 'intense' when you need an adjective (e.g., 'an intense storm').
Word Origin
From Latin intensitas, from intensus (past participle of intendere, meaning 'to stretch out' or 'aim at').
Usage Notes
Do not confuse 'intensity' (noun) with 'intense' (adjective). Use 'intensity' when referring to the degree or magnitude of something.
Word Breakdown
intens-
stretched out, aimed at
root-ity
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary