intensity

Everyday

1. How strong or extreme something is. tree →
2. (science) The amount of light, sound, heat or energy, as in light intensity. tree →
3. Strong feeling or seriousness. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons: measure light intensity with a sensor; sound intensity in decibels; storms of different intensity. In sport and stories: «He played with great intensity.» Phrases: high intensity, low intensity, with intensity.

Examples

• We measured the light intensity in different rooms. tree →
• The intensity of the storm grew overnight. tree →
• Sound intensity is measured in decibels. tree →
• She spoke with great intensity. tree →
• High-intensity exercise makes your heart beat fast. tree →
• The intensity of the colour faded in the sun. tree →
• Fine gentlemen though he was, the intensity of his communings had soiled his ruff, and suddenly he knew that she was gazing at it. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable. In science, intensity is measured with units (lux for light, decibels for sound loudness); bigger number = stronger. Not the same as «size».