intensity

intensity — noun

1. how strongly a feeling, experience, or quality is felt or noticed by someone

1.名詞B2
釋義

how strongly a feeling, experience, or quality is felt or noticed by someone

例句

The intensity of the heat from the oven made Élise step back quickly.

intensity of + [physical sensation]

Amani was surprised by the intensity of her feelings when she saw the old house.

intensity of [emotion/feeling]

同義詞
  • strength

    broader term; works for both physical and emotional contexts

  • force

    suggests active pushing power rather than internal feeling

  • depth

    focuses on how profound rather than how sharp something is felt

反義詞
  • mildness

    gentle or low level of feeling or effect

常見錯誤

❌The intensity of the light was too strong' (confusing with sense 2).
✅The intensity of her anger surprised everyone.
💡use sense 1 for emotions and feelings; sense 2 is for measurable physical quantities.

2. the measurable degree or amount of a physical phenomenon — for example, light, s

2.名詞B2
釋義

the measurable degree or amount of a physical phenomenon — for example, light, sound, heat, or force

例句

Sora turned down the intensity of the desk lamp so the room would be darker.

adjustable intensity of [device]

Scientists measure the intensity of earthquakes on a special scale.

measure + intensity + of + [natural phenomenon]

同義詞
  • strength

    common everyday alternative; less technical

  • magnitude

    more formal; often used in science for scale or size

  • power

    focuses on energy output rather than degree

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used in scientific and technical writing to refer to the measurable level of physical phenomena such as light, sound, or radiation.

常見錯誤

❌The intensity of my headache kept me awake' (sense 1 meaning).
✅The intensity of the radio signal faded as we drove into the tunnel.
💡sense 2 is used for measurable physical quantities, not subjective feelings.

3. a state of extreme seriousness accompanied by deep emotion, often displayed when

3.名詞B2
釋義

a state of extreme seriousness accompanied by deep emotion, often displayed when someone expresses strong opinions or joins a lively debate

例句

The intensity in Talia's voice told everyone she was not joking.

intensity in [someone's] voice / expression

Imran argued his point with such intensity that no one dared to interrupt him.

with + intensity (manner)

同義詞
  • passion

    emphasises strong positive emotion rather than seriousness

  • earnestness

    highlights sincerity and serious intention

  • fervour

    suggests heated, enthusiastic emotion; slightly more intense

反義詞
  • apathy

    lack of interest or emotion

用法筆記

This sense typically describes a person's manner or expression rather than an objective measurement. Frequently appears with verbs of speaking (argue, speak, debate).

常見錯誤

❌The intensity of the light was set to maximum' (sense 2).
✅The intensity of her gaze made me feel uncomfortable.
💡sense 3 refers to a person's serious, emotional manner, not physical brightness.

4. the purity and vividness of a colour, shown by how little white or grey it conta

4.名詞C1
釋義

the purity and vividness of a colour, shown by how little white or grey it contains

例句

The artist increased the intensity of the blue by adding more pure pigment.

colour intensity + technical use in art

You can adjust the colour intensity of any area in a photo using editing software.

同義詞
  • saturation

    the standard technical term; intensity is less formal

  • vividness

    focuses on the bright, striking quality rather than purity

  • chroma

    specialist term used in colour science

反義詞
  • dullness

    lack of colour purity; grey or washed-out appearance

用法筆記

In art and photography, intensity is used interchangeably with 'saturation'. A colour with full intensity has no grey mixed in.