intensive

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/

adjective

  • 1concentrated on a single subject or into a short time; very thorough or vigorous: she undertook an intensive Arabic course eight days of intensive arms talks
  • (of agriculture) aiming to achieve maximum production within a limited area, especially by using chemical and technological aids: intensive farmingOften contrasted with extensive (sense 2).
  • [usually in combination] (typically in business and economics) concentrating on or making much use of a specified thing: computer-intensive methods
  • 2 Grammar (of an adjective, adverb, or particle) giving force or emphasis.
  • 3chiefly Physics denoting a property which is measured in terms of intensity (e.g. concentration) rather than of extent (e.g. volume), and so is not simply increased by addition of one thing to another.

noun

Grammar
  • an intensive adjective, adverb, or particle; an intensifier.

Derivatives

intensively

adverb

intensiveness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'vehement, intense'): from French intensif, -ive or medieval Latin intensivus, from intendere (see intend)

On the difference between intensive and intense, see intense (usage).