Words / B1

in-TENS-iv/ɪnˈtensɪv/

Intensive means a lot of effort or attention packed into a short time: an intensive course; intensive care (hospital). Intense is about strength of feeling or degree. Intensive farming uses land very heavily. Do not call a normal weekly class intensive unless extra hours are packed in. ICU is intensive care in hospital news.

Meaning

Involving a lot of effort, care, or attention in a short time.

Examples

• “She took an intensive English course before the exam.”
• “She booked an intensive IELTS course for the two weeks before the test.”
• “He spent a night in intensive care after the crash, which is the hospital sense.”

Good to know

an intensive course; intensive care. Contrast: intense = very strong. Farming: intensive. Not an ordinary weekly class.

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