Intensity

Origins

F. intense, ad. L. intens-us ‘stretched, strained, tight, violent’, rarely ‘intent’, pa. pple. of intendre: see INTEND v. In origin a doublet of INTENT a., q.v.] Etymologically, Stretched, strained, high-strung. Hence:

Definitions

• 1. Of a quality or condition: Raised to or existing in a strained or very high degree; very strong or acute; violent, vehement, extreme, excessive; of colour, very deep; of a feeling, ardent (cf. also 3).

• 2. transf. Of a thing: Having some characteristic quality in a very high degree; intensely forcible, bright, hot, etc.

b. spec. in Photography: = DENSE a. 3.

• 3. Of personal, esp. mental, action, etc.: Strained or strenuously directed to some end; intent, eager, earnest, ardent.

• 4. Of a person:

a. Having the thoughts strenuously directed to some end; intent upon (about) something. Obs.

b. Feeling, or susceptible to, intense emotion or affection. Also, manifesting intense emotion or excitability, esp. in æsthetic or intellectual contexts.

• 5. transf. Of language, aspect, etc.: Expressing or manifesting intense feeling, purpose, etc.

• 6. Tending strongly; prone.