intense

intense — adjective

1. having a very high degree of a physical or emotional quality — such as heat, pai

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having a very high degree of a physical or emotional quality — such as heat, pain, anger, or effort — that is much greater or stronger than what is normal or usual

例句

The desert heat was so intense that Nala could not walk without shoes.

collocation: intense heat

Andrei felt an intense desire to win the race after months of training.

collocation: intense desire

同義詞
  • extreme

    suggests a degree beyond what is normal, often at the very upper limit

  • fierce

    adds a sense of aggressive or uncontrolled force, common for competition or emotion

  • powerful

    broader term for great force or effect, not limited to concentrated intensity

  • strong

    most general; describes great power or effect without the 'concentrated peak' nuance of intense

反義詞
  • mild

    much lower in degree; the opposite of intense for weather, flavour, or emotion

  • gentle

    soft and not forceful; opposite of intense in effect or feeling

  • weak

    lacking strength or force; opposite of intense in degree or power

文法句型

intense + noun

linking verb + intense

用法筆記

Commonly modifies concrete nouns for physical experiences (heat, cold, pain, pressure) and abstract nouns for emotions or mental states (anger, desire, joy, focus). Unlike 'strong' or 'powerful', this sense does not describe innate physical strength — an 'intense man' belongs to sense 2 and refers to personality, not muscle power.

常見錯誤

❌The intense man lifted the heavy box easily.
✅The strong man lifted the heavy box easily.
💡'intense' is not used for physical strength of people; use 'strong' instead.

2. showing or expressing very strong feelings, serious attitudes, or firm opinions

2.形容詞B2
釋義

showing or expressing very strong feelings, serious attitudes, or firm opinions in a way that other people can clearly notice — describing a person's character or behaviour

例句

Liang can sometimes seem too intense when he gets into political arguments at dinner.

pattern: linking verb + intense (seem intense)

Mateo's intense personality made him a great leader but an exhausting friend.

同義詞
  • serious

    less emotional; focuses on lack of humour rather than strong feelings

  • passionate

    positive connotation; emphasises strong enthusiasm and love for something

  • earnest

    formal; suggests sincere and honest seriousness without negative overtones

反義詞
  • easy-going

    relaxed and not easily upset; the opposite of an intense personality

  • laid-back

    informal; calm and untroubled, contrasting with intense seriousness

文法句型

intense + noun (person, student, gaze, personality)

be / seem / appear / become + intense

用法筆記

Can carry a mildly critical tone (suggesting someone is too serious or hard to relax around) or an admiring tone (suggesting passion and dedication), depending on context. Frequently occurs with verbs of perception: 'seem intense', 'appear intense', 'come across as intense'. Not used for someone's physical strength.

常見錯誤

❌She is an intense student who always finishes her homework.
✅She is a diligent student who always finishes her homework.
💡'intense' for people implies strong emotions and seriousness, not simply effort or hard work.