Intensification

Definition

Intensification refers to the process of making a word or phrase stronger or more emphatic, often through the use of affixes or compound structures. This linguistic feature enhances the meaning of root words by adding intensity, allowing speakers and writers to convey stronger emotions or more vivid imagery. Understanding intensification is essential for grasping how language evolves and how meaning can shift dramatically with different forms and structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intensification often occurs through the use of adverbs like 'very' or 'extremely' that modify adjectives, creating a stronger expression.
2. In many cases, prefixes like 'super-' can be used to intensify the meaning of adjectives, as seen in words like 'supernatural' or 'superhuman'.
3. Compounds can also exhibit intensification, such as 'bittersweet' which conveys a mix of strong feelings rather than just one.
4. Some languages utilize reduplication as a form of intensification, repeating parts of a word to emphasize its meaning.
5. Understanding intensification helps in enhancing writing style, making language more persuasive and engaging for the reader.

Review Questions

• How does the process of affixation contribute to the concept of intensification in language?
  • Affixation contributes to intensification by allowing speakers to modify root words through the addition of prefixes or suffixes that enhance their meanings. For example, adding the prefix 'over-' to the adjective 'cooked' creates 'overcooked', which emphasizes an excessive degree of cooking. This shows how affixes can significantly shift the intensity and clarity of expression in language.
• What role does compounding play in intensifying meanings compared to simple modification techniques?
  • Compounding plays a vital role in intensifying meanings by merging two or more words to create a term that conveys a stronger, more complex idea than either word alone. For instance, the compound word 'heartbroken' combines 'heart' and 'broken', suggesting a deep emotional state that simple adjectives may not fully capture. This illustrates how compounding can deepen emotional expression in comparison to simpler modification techniques.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various forms of intensification in communication and their impact on audience perception.
  • The effectiveness of various forms of intensification, such as affixation and compounding, can significantly shape audience perception by enhancing emotional resonance and clarity in communication. For example, using intensified language can evoke stronger reactions from an audience, making messages more impactful. In persuasive writing or speech, choosing words with heightened intensity helps connect with listeners on a deeper level, which can ultimately influence their attitudes and responses.

Related terms

Affixation: The process of adding prefixes or suffixes to a root word to create new words or alter their meanings.

Compounding: The formation of new words by combining two or more existing words, resulting in a single term with a distinct meaning.

Modification: The alteration of a word's meaning or function by adding descriptive elements, such as adjectives or adverbs.