intensify - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intensify Word Meanings
- to make something stronger or more extreme
- to increase in strength or amount
- to sharpen or enhance an emotion or feeling
intensify Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intensify Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/
US
/ɪnˈtɛn sə faɪ/
intensify Word Etymology
intensify = in- = into + tensify = stretch; Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine someone stretching a rubber band, pulling it until it snaps back with greater force, symbolizing the act of making something more intense.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the dial, push it a notch, and watch the room brighten. I shift my weight, hold the breath, and keep turning as the heat and sound push upward. I adjust my pace and lightness, feeling the effort rise in my chest. When a moment needs more edge, I intensify the scene and let the mood sharpen without a word.
Real Context
Intensify means to make something stronger, more extreme, or more pronounced. It often describes actions that raise force, effort, or emotional impact rather than simply increasing quantity. In everyday English you can intensify a workout by increasing weight or pace, or intensify a debate by sharpening arguments and raising stakes. You may also intensify a feeling, mood, or tension, as concerns grow louder and more persistent. The word emphasizes quality, intensity, and consequences, not just size. Its etymology traces to in- (into) and tensify (stretch), passing through Latin and Old French into English. A memory cue is imagining a rubber band being stretched until it snaps back with greater force.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Use with actions or emotions, not just quantities.
- 2) Pair with adjectives/nouns like efforts, pressure, mood, or tone.
- 3) Distinguish from increase: increase = more in amount; intensify = more strong/lasting.
- 4) Common collocations: intensify a debate, intensify scrutiny, intensify the mood.
- 5) Passive form possible: the situation was intensified by new events.
Common Misconceptions
- Intensify always means bigger in size, not just stronger.
- It is interchangeable with increase in all contexts.
- You can intensify a mood without affecting the duration of an event.
- Intensify and strengthen mean the same thing in all situations.
- The noun form intensification is extremely rare in everyday speech.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often think of intensity as a qualitative push rather than a simple numeric rise. Learners tend to confuse intensify with merely increasing, or misplace it with strengthen. Emphasize that intensify focuses on impact, mood, or force, not just amount. Pay attention to collocations like intensify pressure, tension, or curiosity, and note that passive forms exist: the situation was intensified.
Learning Tips
- 1) Visualize intensity with energy or speed changes.
- 2) Compare with increase to solidify the difference.
- 3) Use with verbs like intensify efforts, intensify pressure.
- 4) Practice both active and passive forms (The situation was intensified).
- 5) Read diverse contexts: news, fiction, and technical writing.
- 6) Note common misspellings and related forms like intensification.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'intensify'?
A.To weaken
B.To confuse
C.To strengthen
D.To delay
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'intensify' correctly?
A.He wanted to intensify the light by turning off the switch.
B.She tried to intensify the fire by pouring water on it.
C.The wind helped to intensify the calm atmosphere.
D.They decided to intensify the noise with silence.
Step 3: Similar Words
Select the synonym of 'intensify':
A.Lessen
B.Relax
C.Amplify
D.Diminish
Step 4: Opposite Words
Select the antonym of 'intensify':
A.Increase
B.Weaken
C.Strengthen
D.Magnify
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would you want to intensify your efforts?
A.When trying to slow down a process
B.When seeking to enhance results
C.When aiming to reduce productivity
D.When hoping to simplify a task
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