Word
intensely
Phoneticsin·tense·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɛnsɫi/
UK/ɪntˈɛnsli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01with great focus or effort
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something with a very high level of focus, energy, or strength.
adv. in a manner characterised by extreme concentration, effort, or physical force.
“The scientist stared intensely at the screen, waiting for the results to appear.”
“The team worked intensely for three weeks to finalise the prototype before the international trade show began.”
Usage
Usually placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause for emphasis.
Synonyms
02to an extreme degree
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to describe a feeling or quality that is very strong.
adv. to an extreme degree; used to intensify adjectives or verbs related to emotion and sensation.
“It was an intensely hot day, and everyone stayed inside with the air conditioning.”
“The author's latest novel is intensely personal, drawing heavily on her own experiences of migration and loss.”
Usage
Often functions as an intensifier before an adjective.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“He was clearly intensely irritated that it didn’t.” “But then we act differently when we’re being watched – which is Brookes’ point here, in a show that worries intensely at the relationship between selfhood and being seen.” Etymology
From intense + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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