■ adjective
1》 very thorough or vigorous.
2》 (of agriculture) aiming to achieve maximum production within a limited area. Often contrasted with extensive .
3》 [in combination ] concentrating on or making much use of something: computer-~ methods.
4》 Grammar giving force or emphasis.
5》 denoting a property measured in terms of intensity rather than extent.
■ noun Grammar an intensifier.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: from Fr. intensif , -ive or med. L. intensivus , from intendere (see intend ).
Usage
On the difference between ~ and intense , see usage at intense .