What is intensify? Pronunciation and usage in English

intensify means . Learn how to pronounce and use intensify through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of intensify

intensifyverb

/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ//ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "intensify" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "intensify" is broken down into three syllables:

  • in-
  • ten-
  • sify

2. Phonetic Breakdown (approximate):

  • in: /ɪn/ (like the "in" in "tin")

  • ten: /tən/ (similar to the "ten" in "ten dollars") – The "n" sound is slightly subtle.

  • sify: /sɪfɪ/ (This is the most challenging part!)

    • sɪ: As in "sit" – a short “i” sound.
    • fɪ: As in "fit" – a short, quick “i” sound. It’s almost like a single syllable.

3. Putting it Together - The Whole Word:

/ɪn tən sɪfɪ/

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "ten". So, emphasize “ten” slightly more than the other syllables.

  • The "sify" sound: This is the key. Think of it as rapidly combining the "s" sound with a quick, light "fi" sound. It’s not a distinct "s" followed by "fi," but one fluid sound. Some people find it easier to say "sin-fy" and then quickly connect the words.

  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "intensify" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words. Search for “intensify” there: https://forvo.com/word/intensify/
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce intensify" – you'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To summarize, focus on saying: "in ten sif-i." Work on blending the "sify" sound as one syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Break it down even further?
  • Give you some practice words that use similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word intensify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "intensify" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning – to make something stronger or more intense. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning:

  • To make something stronger, more intense, or more extreme. This is the fundamental definition. It's about boosting a feeling, effect, or experience.

2. How to Use It – Different Structures:

  • Intensify + Noun (most common): This is the most frequent way to use it.

    • "The rain intensified quickly." (The rain became heavier and more intense.)
    • "He intensified his efforts to succeed." (He worked harder and with more determination.)
    • "The music intensified as the drama unfolded." (The music became louder and more dramatic.)
    • "The government is trying to intensify security measures." (They are making security measures stricter and more robust.)

  • Intensify + Verb (less common, creates a powerful image):

    • "She intensified her gaze, questioning him directly." (Her stare became more piercing and demanding.)
    • "The storm intensified with each passing hour." (The storm grew more powerful and severe.)

  • Intensify + Adjective (rare, but possible):

    • "The speaker sought to intensify the audience's feelings of patriotism." (He wanted to make their patriotism stronger.)

3. Examples in Context – Demonstrating Usage:

  • Emotions: “The argument intensified, leading to shouting and tears.”
  • Effort/Activity: “She intensified her training in preparation for the marathon.”
  • Visuals: “The colors on the painting intensified the overall mood.”
  • Sounds/Music: “The orchestra intensified the emotional impact of the scene.”
  • Processes/Systems: “The company is working to intensify its research and development.” (to make it more active and focused)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Strengthen
  • Heighten
  • Amplify
  • Increase
  • Boost
  • Intensify (itself!)
  • Exacerbate (this suggests making something worse, but it’s related)

5. Important Considerations:

  • Figurative Language: "Intensify" is frequently used in figurative language to describe emotions, sensations, or abstract concepts.
  • Negative Connotations: Sometimes "intensify" can have a slightly negative connotation if used to describe something undesirable, like “intensify the conflict.”

6. Practice:

Let’s try a few sentences using “intensify”:

  • “The feeling of loneliness began to intensify as the days grew longer.”
  • “The chef aimed to intensify the flavors of the dish.”
  • “The coach intensified the team’s practice schedule.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "intensify" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a scientific process, talking about emotions, etc.)

Synonyms for the word intensify

Practice with vocabulary intensify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic downturn is expected to _______ existing social inequalities in the region.
  2. To prepare for the upcoming product launch, the marketing team decided to _______ their social media campaign by posting more frequently.
  3. The new trade agreement aims to _______ economic cooperation between the two nations, fostering mutual growth.
  4. Implementing stricter environmental regulations could help to _______ the negative impact of industrial pollution on local ecosystems.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The project manager's increasing demands on the team were beginning to ________ the pressure on the developers. a) alleviate b) lessen c) intensify d) diffuse

  2. Environmental scientists warned that rising global temperatures would ________ the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. a) diminish b) mitigate c) intensify d) reduce

  3. The company decided to ________ its efforts in research and development to gain a competitive edge in the market. a) curtail b) dilute c) scale back d) intensify e) amplify

  4. Despite initial optimism, the ongoing disputes between the board members continued to ________ progress on the merger. a) expedite b) hamper c) facilitate d) accelerate

  5. The recent policy changes are expected to ________ the overall efficiency of public services, leading to better citizen satisfaction. a) degrade b) erode c) enhance d) undermine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's financial problems worsened considerably after the acquisition failed. (Rewrite using "intensify")
  2. We need to make our security measures much stronger to prevent future data breaches. (Rewrite using "intensify" or a related word form)
  3. The unexpected political unrest caused the market volatility to grow significantly. (Rewrite, but do not use "intensify"; use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic downturn is expected to intensify existing social inequalities in the region.
  2. To prepare for the upcoming product launch, the marketing team decided to intensify their social media campaign by posting more frequently.
  3. The new trade agreement aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations, fostering mutual growth.
  4. Implementing stricter environmental regulations could help to mitigate the negative impact of industrial pollution on local ecosystems.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) intensify
  2. c) intensify
  3. d) intensify, e) amplify
  4. b) hamper
  5. c) enhance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's financial problems intensified considerably after the acquisition failed.
  2. We need to intensify our security measures to prevent future data breaches.
  3. The unexpected political unrest exacerbated the market volatility.

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