I. (ˈ)in.|ten(t)siv, ən.ˈt-, -sēv also -səv adjective
Etymology: probably from Middle French intensif, from Medieval Latin intensivus, from Latin intensus intense, stretched + -ivus -ive — more at intense
1. obsolete : intense , vehement
2. : of, relating to, or marked by intensity or intensification: as
a. : highly concentrated : zealous , eager , exhaustive
intensive study
intensive effort
b. : intensifying ; especially : tending to give force or emphasis
an intensive adverb, as dreadfully in “it was dreadfully cold”
c.
(1) : constituting or relating to a method of cultivation of land designed to increase the productivity of a given area by the expenditure of more capital and labor upon it — opposed to extensive
(2) : constituting or relating to the method of conducting an industry so as to increase its returns by perfecting its methods and appliances rather than by enlarging its scale
d. : relating to intension
e. : involving the use of large doses or substances having great therapeutic activity
f. : presenting a large and concentrated amount of material to be studied intensely
intensive course
intensive training
intensive program
• in·ten·sive·ly -sə̇vlē, -li adverb
• in·ten·sive·ness -sivnə̇s, -sēv- also -səv- noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: an intensive linguistic element (as a word, particle, or prefix)