Intense vs. Intensive: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Comparison Chart

Meaning

Describes extreme degree or strength

Refers to concentrated effort or application

Usage

Often used for emotions, experiences, or flavors

Typically used for actions, studies, or farming practices

Focus

On depth or severity

On concentration or thoroughness

Connotation

Does not imply any effort or application

Implies a high level of effort, focus, or resources

Example

Experiencing intense pain

Of or relating to agricultural production that achieves high yields per acre of land but requires significant input of labor or materials.

Intense

Deeply felt; profound

Intense anger.

Intensive

(Physics) Having the same value for any subdivision of a thermodynamic system

Intensive pressure.

Intense

Having or showing strong feeling or great seriousness

Demanding; requiring a great amount of work etc.

This job is difficult because it is so labour-intensive.

Intense

Extreme in degree; excessive.

Intensive

Highly concentrated.

(grammar) Serving to give force or emphasis.

An intensive verb or preposition

Intense

Very emotional or passionate.

The artist was a small, intense man with piercing blue eyes.

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.

Intense

Strained; tightly drawn; kept on the stretch; strict; very close or earnest; as, intense study or application; intense thought.

Intensive

(linguistics) A form of a word with a stronger or more forceful sense than the root on which the intensive is built.

Intense

Extreme in degree; excessive; immoderate;

In this intense seclusion of the forest.

Intensive

A course taught intensively.

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

Intensive

Stretched; admitting of intension, or increase of degree; that can be intensified.

Intense

Extremely sharp or intense;

Acute pain

Felt acute annoyance

Intense itching and burning

Intensive

Characterized by persistence; intent; unremitted; assiduous; intense.

Intense

(of color) having the highest saturation;

Vivid green

Intense blue

Intensive

Serving to give force or emphasis; as, an intensive verb or preposition.

Intense

Extremely concentrated or deep.

He had an intense gaze.

An intensive adverb

Intensive

Of agriculture; intended to increase productivity of a fixed area by expending more capital and labor;

Intensive agriculture

Intensive conditions

Intensive

Requiring a lot of effort or focus.

It was an intensive course in Spanish.

Intensive

Involving a lot of activity, effort, or careful attention in a short period of time.

The farmer practiced intensive agriculture.

FAQs

Can 'intensive' relate to a method of farming?

Yes, 'intensive' can describe farming methods that involve high levels of input and effort.

Is 'intense' about the depth or severity of an experience?

Yes, 'intense' often relates to the depth or severity of experiences.

Can 'intense' describe emotions?

Yes, 'intense' often describes strong or deeply felt emotions.

Can 'intense' refer to the degree of a flavor?

Absolutely, a flavor can be described as intense if it is very strong.

Does 'intense' imply effort?

No, 'intense' doesn't inherently imply effort; it's more about degree or strength of a quality or sensation.

Is 'intensive' about concentration or thoroughness?

Yes, 'intensive' refers to concentrated effort or thorough application.

Can 'intense' describe pain?

Yes, one can experience intense pain, meaning very strong or severe pain.

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.

Is 'intense' synonymous with 'passionate'?

They can be similar, as 'intense' can describe strong feelings, which can include passion.

Is 'intensive care' a term for highly concentrated medical attention?

Yes, 'intensive care' refers to a high degree of medical attention and monitoring.

Can 'intense' describe a look or gaze?

Yes, a look or gaze can be described as 'intense' if it is very focused or strong.

Can 'intense' describe the weather?

Certainly, weather conditions can be described as 'intense' if they are extreme or severe.

Does 'intensive' imply a high level of effort or focus?

Indeed, 'intensive' implies a concentrated or thorough level of effort or focus.

Can 'intense' be used to describe colors?

Yes, colors can be described as 'intense' if they are very bright or strong.

Is 'intense' related to extremes?

Yes, 'intense' often describes extreme degrees or strengths of qualities or sensations.

Does 'intensive' imply thoroughness?

Yes, 'intensive' implies a high level of thoroughness in the effort or application.

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.

Can 'intensive' describe the usage of resources?

Absolutely, 'intensive' can describe activities that use a high amount of resources.

Can 'intensive' relate to focused attention?

Yes, 'intensive' often relates to a high degree of focused attention or effort.

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.

Workings vs. Working

Empathy vs. Tolerance

About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.