Langimage
English

intensify

|in-ten-si-fy|

B2

🇺🇸

/ɪnˈtɛnsɪˌfaɪ/

🇬🇧

/ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/

increase in intensity

Etymology
Etymology Information

'intensify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intensus,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'tensus' meant 'stretched.'

Historical Evolution

'intensus' transformed into the French word 'intensifier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'intensify' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to stretch into,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make stronger or more extreme.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to make something stronger or more extreme.

The storm is expected to intensify overnight.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39