What does intensifier mean?
An intensifier is a word or other linguistic element that increases the strength of an expression. Adverbs such as “very,” “rather,” “quite,” “extremely,” and “utterly” commonly intensify adjectives or other adverbs, while expressions such as “absolutely certain” and “in complete agreement” reinforce the force of a phrase. Intensifiers can make writing emphatic, conversational, or emotionally charged, but excessive use may sound exaggerated or informal. In technical contexts, the term can also denote a device that boosts the strength of a signal, sound, light, or other force. The word is especially useful when discussing how language communicates degrees of certainty, urgency, emotion, and emphasis, as well as the practical role of amplification in media, machinery, and communication systems.
A word or other linguistic element that increases the degree or intensity of the meaning of another word.
"“Quite” is an intensifier in the phrase “quite different.”"
Intensifiers are especially common with adjectives and adverbs, but their use is not restricted to those parts of speech.
A device or mechanism that increases the strength, power, or effectiveness of a signal, sound, light, or other phenomenon.
"A compact audio intensifier made the speaker louder without distorting the recording."
This technical sense is less common than the grammatical sense and is often used with terms such as “sound,” “light,” “signal,” or “pressure.”
The plural is used when referring to several words or devices that intensify meaning, power, or effectiveness.
"The editor removed unnecessary intensifiers from the advertisement."
An intensifier is a linguistic power tool: it does not replace a word’s meaning, but turns up its volume.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intensifier come from?
Intensifier is formed from the English adjective “intense,” from Latin “intensus,” meaning stretched or heightened, which is related to Latin “tendere,” “to stretch.” The suffix “-fier” is an agentive or instrument-forming suffix that developed from Old French forms associated with Latin “facere,” “to make.” Related English words include “intensify,” “intensity,” “tension,” and “extend,” all reflecting the idea of stretching, increasing, or extending something.
Related word forms
How intensifier is actually used
In grammar, intensifiers are commonly discussed with adjectives and adverbs, although they can modify other parts of speech as well. The separate mechanical sense is less frequent in general writing and is often modified by words such as “sound,” “light,” or “pressure.”
Easily confused with intensifier
An intensifier is typically a word or element that increases the strength of another expression, whereas intensify is a verb meaning to make something stronger or more intense.