intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
Recent Examples on the Web The risk of heart failure was 16% lower for every 30 minutes a day spent on moderate-to-vigorous intensity, defined as walking at a normal pace, climbing stairs, and doing yard work. Korin Miller Updated, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2024 Most rain should be light, but some moderate intensity is possible. Matt Rogers, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 In December, Goldman Sachs cut its forecast for this year’s average oil price by 12%, saying the intensity of oil drilling in the United States would keep Brent from reaching its initial estimate of $92 a barrel. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the timing and intensity of separation anxiety vary widely among babies. Karen Horsch, Parents, 1 Mar. 2024 With Pat Riley at the head on the basketball side, McCullough wanted to match that intensity yet give the games — and the players — a certain swagger that matched the 305’s aura. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Following an emotional comeback win Wednesday against the Clippers, the Lakers never really found a consistent level of intensity until the second half. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 As a creep, a romantic, or an action star, the actor always brings intensity and passion to his best projects. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 This tech provides insights into a player's fatigue levels, stress, and risk of injury, enabling coaches to make informed decisions about rest days and training intensity. Neil Sahota, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near intensity

Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

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