intensely
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
doing something with a very high level of focus, energy, or strength.
in a manner characterised by extreme concentration, effort, or physical force.
Simple“The scientist stared intensely at the screen, waiting for the results to appear.”
In context“The team worked intensely for three weeks to finalise the prototype before the international trade show began.”
UsageUsually placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause for emphasis.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe a feeling or quality that is very strong.
to an extreme degree; used to intensify adjectives or verbs related to emotion and sensation.
Simple“It was an intensely hot day, and everyone stayed inside with the air conditioning.”
In context“The author's latest novel is intensely personal, drawing heavily on her own experiences of migration and loss.”
UsageOften functions as an intensifier before an adjective.
Synonyms
“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.”
“He was clearly intensely irritated that it didn’t.”
From intense + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.