Intensify

Definition

To make more intense or increase in severity or strength.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/
• Respelling: in-TEN-si-fy (with "in" as in "tin," "TEN" as in "pen," "si" as in "sit," and "fy" as in "my")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/
• Respelling: in-TEN-si-fy (with "in" as in "tin," "TEN" as in "pen," "si" as in "sit," and "fy" as in "my")

In both dialects, "intensify" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TEN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-TEN-si-fy."

Etymology

From Latin intensus, meaning "tight, stretched, strained" which is derived from the past participle stem of intendere, meaning "to stretch out, strain".

Derivatives

• Intensified (verb, past tense)
• Intensifying (verb, present participle)
• Intensification (noun)
• Intensifier (noun)
• Intensive (adjective)

Synonyms

• Amplify
• Heighten
• Escalate

Antonyms

• Diminish
• Weaken
• Mitigate

Usage

"Intensify" is used in various contexts to describe the process of increasing the intensity of something, such as emotions, actions, or physical phenomena.

Related Terms

• Strong
• Concentrate
• Magnify
• Enhance
• Boost

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Intensify (Verb, General): To become or make something more intense.
  • Example: "The debate began to intensify as more people joined the discussion."

• Intensify (Verb, Emotion): To increase in degree or strength, especially emotions or feelings.
  • Example: "Her feelings for him began to intensify after they spent more time together."

• Intensify (Verb, Physics): To increase in strength or magnitude, especially in physical phenomena like light, sound, or heat.
  • Example: "The sun's rays intensified as midday approached."

Note: "Intensify" generally implies a marked increase in a characteristic or quality, often beyond its usual or acceptable limits.