adj.
Pronunciation: in- ' ten(t)s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intensus, from past participle of intendere to stretch out
Date: 15th century
1 a : existing in an extreme degree <the excitement was intense > < intense pain> b : having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree < intense colors>
2 : marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration < intense effort>
3 a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose <an intense student> b : deeply felt
– in · tense · ly adverb
– in · tense · ness noun