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intensive

/ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about intensive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies.
    `up' in `finished up' is an intensifier

adjective

  1. Characterized by a high degree or intensity; often used as a combining form.
    the questioning was intensive
  2. Tending to give force or emphasis.
    an intensive adverb
  3. Of agriculture; intended to increase productivity of a fixed area by expending more capital and labor.
    intensive agriculture

Origin

The adjective is derived from Late Middle English intensive (“fervent, great, intense”), borrowed from Old French intensif, intensive (modern French intensif) + Middle English -ive (suffix meaning ‘of the nature of, relating to’ forming adjectives), equivalent to intense + -ive.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)