intense

Very strong or extreme.

• The heat was intense.
• She felt intense pain in her shoulder.
• Competition for the prize became more intense.

Similar words: strong, extreme, severe

Opposites: mild, weak

Common phrases: intense heat, intense pain, intense pressure

Involving a great deal of work or effort over a short time.

• The workout was intense.
• They completed two weeks of intense training.
• Short bursts of intense activity left us breathless.

Similar words: vigorous, strenuous, intensive

Opposites: gentle

Common phrases: intense exercise, intense training, intense activity

Involving very strong feelings or close, serious attention.

• He watched with intense interest.
• The task requires intense concentration.
• Her intense love of music shaped her life.

Similar words: deep, passionate, fervent

Common phrases: intense concentration, intense interest, intense love

Stretched tight or held under strong tension.

• The intense cord began to hum.
• The mechanism kept the fibres intense.
• An intense string could snap under further pressure.

Similar words: taut, tense, strained

Opposites: slack

Common phrases: intense cord, intense fibres