intensify
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈtɛn.sɪ.faɪ/
KK: /ɪnˈtɛn.sɪ.faɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become stronger or more extreme in force or degree.
Example
The storm began to intensify as the night went on.
Tense Forms
Past: intensified
Past Participle: intensified
Conversation
Did you notice how the competition seems to intensify every year?
Definitely! It makes the games so much more exciting to watch.
I wonder what factors make it intensify like that.
Probably the players' skills improving and the fans getting more involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
escalate
heighten
amplify
Antonyms
diminish
lessen
abate
transitive verb
Definition
To make something stronger or more intense.
Example
The coach decided to intensify the training sessions before the championship.
Tense Forms
Past: intensified
Past Participle: intensified
Conversation
Have you ever tried to intensify the colors in your photos?
Yeah, I use an app that makes it super easy to do that.
I think it really helps to intensify the mood of the picture.
Root Explanation
Intensify → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into or within) and "tens" (from Latin "tendere", meaning to stretch) and "-ify" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "intensify" means to make something stretch or become more intense or stronger.
Memory Tip
Think of making something 'stronger' or 'more intense' by 'stretching' it 'into' a greater degree.
Visually Confused Words
tensify
disintensify
cointensity