Intensifier

An intensifier is a linguistic element, often a word or phrase, that enhances or amplifies the meaning of a surrounding word, typically an adjective or adverb. By adding emphasis or degree, intensifiers modify the emotional or qualitative impact of the expression they accompany. Common examples include words like 'very', 'extremely', and 'absolutely'. Intensifiers are pivotal in communication as they help convey strength of feelings, urgency, or seriousness.

Intensifier meaning with examples

• In the sentence 'She was very happy with the results', the intensifier 'very' amplifies the adjective 'happy', indicating a greater degree of joy than just being happy. This small addition shifts the tone, providing insight into the character's emotional state and the significance of the results to her.
• Consider the phrase 'He ran extremely fast during the race'. Here, 'extremely' serves as an intensifier that emphasizes the level of speed achieved. Without this word, the sentence would merely state that he ran fast, but the intensifier elevates the intensity, highlighting the remarkable nature of his performance.
• In the remark 'The movie was absolutely thrilling', 'absolutely' acts as an intensifier, enhancing the adjective 'thrilling'. This emphasizes the speaker's strong positive reaction, suggesting that the experience was not just thrilling, but truly exceptional and unforgettable, thereby influencing a potential viewer’s decision.
• Using 'totally' in 'She was totally confused about the instructions' showcases how intensifiers can indicate the extent of the confusion. The word 'totally' not only modifies 'confused' but also communicates a sense of complete perplexity, portraying a more vivid mental state of the subject.
• In 'This is the best pizza I have ever tasted', the structure lacks intensity until you add the intensifier 'by far' to enhance it: 'This is by far the best pizza I have ever tasted.' This change dramatically amplifies the speaker's opinion, suggesting they have tried many pizzas but still regard this one as superior.