intensely

American

[in-tens-lee] / ɪnˈtɛns li /

adverb

to a high or extreme degree.

Many ingredients are rolled into this intensely flavorful and very versatile curry paste.
(said in reference to emotions or feelings) acutely, strongly, or vehemently.

We should all be intensely angry about what is happening, and should do something besides just sitting at our computers absorbing information.
I disliked the book intensely.
earnestly or strenuously; in a highly engaged or involved way.

The first time I watched the documentary, all I saw was these four people talking intensely about their music.

Other Word Forms

hyperintensely adverb
overintensely adverb
superintensely adverb

Etymology

Origin of intensely

intense ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These quasars can shine so intensely that they outshine their entire host galaxy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

"I think the main reason is to make money, which is so intensely wrong."

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Playing more slowly on the ball in theory may have helped Chelsea's players rest during the game before then pressing more intensely for shorter periods.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Others, like Alexander, argue that the feelings can be so intensely unpleasant that mindfulness or distraction alone won’t address the root cause.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

Personally, Penelope was intensely curious to know how Simon’s preparations for the visibilizer were going.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023