Intense vs. Intensive: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Intense" describes extreme degree or strength, while "Intensive" refers to concentrated effort or application.
Key Differences
The words "Intense" and "Intensive" have different meanings and are used in different contexts. "Intense" is used to describe something that has a very high degree, strength, or severity. It is used to describe things like emotions, pain, or experiences, which can be deeply felt. On the other hand, "Intensive" describes something that is very concentrated or thorough. It is often used to refer to things like studies, courses, or farming practices that require a high concentration of effort, focus, or resources.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
When discussing emotions or experiences, "Intense" would be the appropriate word to use. It is suitable for describing situations or feelings that are extremely strong or deep. For example, one might experience intense joy or intense sorrow. "Intensive," meanwhile, is more suitable for describing actions or activities that require a lot of concentrated effort or that are done in a very thorough manner. For instance, an intensive study session would involve a concentrated and focused effort to learn or understand something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
"Intense" is more about the degree, depth, or severity of something. It relates to how strongly something is felt or experienced, regardless of the amount of time or effort involved. On the contrary, "Intensive" relates more to the amount of effort, focus, or resources applied, and it is usually concentrated in a specific area or over a specific period of time. An intense flavor is extremely strong, while intensive agriculture involves a high level of input and effort to increase yield.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
When one is choosing between "Intense" and "Intensive," it’s important to consider the context of the situation. If the situation is about experiencing something to a high degree or strength, "Intense" is the right choice. If the situation is about applying a concentrated level of effort or resources, "Intensive" is the more appropriate choice. For example, an intense gaze refers to a very focused and strong look, while intensive care refers to a highly concentrated level of medical care and attention.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
The difference between "Intense" and "Intensive" is subtle, yet significant. Being able to use them correctly involves understanding the depth or severity implied by "Intense," and the concentration or thoroughness implied by "Intensive." For instance, a book might be described as an intense read due to its emotional depth or provocative ideas, while a course might be described as intensive due to the amount of work and concentration required to complete it.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Describes extreme degree or strength
Refers to concentrated effort or application
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Usage
Often used for emotions, experiences, or flavors
Typically used for actions, studies, or farming practices
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Connotation
Does not imply any effort or application
Implies a high level of effort, focus, or resources
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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Intense and Intensive Definitions
Intense
Exhibiting a high degree of some quality or action.
She is known for her intense focus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Intensive
Characterized by a high degree of concentration or thoroughness.
They conducted intensive research on the subject.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Intense
Showing great strength, concentration, or sensation.
The intense flavor awakened her taste buds.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Intensive
Concentrated on a single area or subject.
The student underwent intensive training.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Intense
Having a very strong effect or felt very strongly.
The fire produced an intense heat.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
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Intensive
Relating to a system of farming in which a lot of capital or labor is used to increase production.
Intensive farming is resource-consuming.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Intense
Possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to an extreme degree
The intense sun of the tropics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Possessing or requiring to a high degree. Often used in combination
Labor-intensive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Of or relating to agricultural production that achieves high yields per acre of land but requires significant input of labor or materials.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
(Physics) Having the same value for any subdivision of a thermodynamic system
Intensive pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
Having or showing strong feeling or great seriousness
An intense writer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
A linguistic element, such as the adverb extremely or awfully, that provides force or emphasis. Also called intensifier.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Demanding; requiring a great amount of work etc.
This job is difficult because it is so labour-intensive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Highly concentrated.
I took a three-day intensive course in finance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
(obsolete) Stretched; allowing intension, or increase of degree; that can be intensified.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
(grammar) Serving to give force or emphasis.
An intensive verb or preposition
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
Very emotional or passionate.
The artist was a small, intense man with piercing blue eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
(medicine) Related to the need to manage life-threatening conditions by means of sophisticated life support and monitoring.
She was moved to the intensive-care unit of the hospital.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
Strained; tightly drawn; kept on the stretch; strict; very close or earnest; as, intense study or application; intense thought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
(linguistics) A form of a word with a stronger or more forceful sense than the root on which the intensive is built.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
Extreme in degree; excessive; immoderate;
In this intense seclusion of the forest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
In an extreme degree;
Intense heat
Intense anxiety
Intense desire
Intense emotion
The skunk's intense acrid odor
Intense pain
Enemy fire was intense
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Stretched; admitting of intension, or increase of degree; that can be intensified.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intense
Extremely sharp or intense;
Acute pain
Felt acute annoyance
Intense itching and burning
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Characterized by persistence; intent; unremitted; assiduous; intense.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Serving to give force or emphasis; as, an intensive verb or preposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Designating, or pertaining to, any system of farming or horticulture, usually practiced on small pieces of land, in which the soil is thoroughly worked and fertilized so as to get as much return as possible; - opposed to extensive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
A modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies;
`up' in `finished up' is an intensifier
`honestly' in `I honestly don't know' is an intensifier
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Characterized by a high degree or intensity; often used as a combining form;
The questioning was intensive
Intensive care
Research-intensive
A labor-intensive industry
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Of agriculture; intended to increase productivity of a fixed area by expending more capital and labor;
Intensive agriculture
Intensive conditions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2022
Intensive
Requiring a lot of effort or focus.
It was an intensive course in Spanish.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Intensive
Involving a lot of activity, effort, or careful attention in a short period of time.
The farmer practiced intensive agriculture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
FAQs
Can 'intensive' relate to a method of farming?
Yes, 'intensive' can describe farming methods that involve high levels of input and effort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'intense' about the depth or severity of an experience?
Yes, 'intense' often relates to the depth or severity of experiences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' describe emotions?
Yes, 'intense' often describes strong or deeply felt emotions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' refer to the degree of a flavor?
Absolutely, a flavor can be described as intense if it is very strong.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Does 'intense' imply effort?
No, 'intense' doesn't inherently imply effort; it's more about degree or strength of a quality or sensation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'intensive' about concentration or thoroughness?
Yes, 'intensive' refers to concentrated effort or thorough application.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' describe pain?
Yes, one can experience intense pain, meaning very strong or severe pain.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intensive' describe a course or study program?
Yes, a course or study program can be described as 'intensive' if it requires a lot of focus and effort.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'intense' synonymous with 'passionate'?
They can be similar, as 'intense' can describe strong feelings, which can include passion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'intensive care' a term for highly concentrated medical attention?
Yes, 'intensive care' refers to a high degree of medical attention and monitoring.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' describe a look or gaze?
Yes, a look or gaze can be described as 'intense' if it is very focused or strong.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' describe the weather?
Certainly, weather conditions can be described as 'intense' if they are extreme or severe.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Does 'intensive' imply a high level of effort or focus?
Indeed, 'intensive' implies a concentrated or thorough level of effort or focus.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intense' be used to describe colors?
Yes, colors can be described as 'intense' if they are very bright or strong.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'intense' related to extremes?
Yes, 'intense' often describes extreme degrees or strengths of qualities or sensations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Does 'intensive' imply thoroughness?
Yes, 'intensive' implies a high level of thoroughness in the effort or application.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Does 'intensive' relate to duration?
'Intensive' can relate to concentrated effort over a specific duration but is more about the level of concentration or thoroughness.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intensive' describe the usage of resources?
Absolutely, 'intensive' can describe activities that use a high amount of resources.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intensive' relate to focused attention?
Yes, 'intensive' often relates to a high degree of focused attention or effort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can 'intensive' relate to the level of activity?
Indeed, 'intensive' can describe a high level of activity, especially in a specific area or over a specific period of time.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
