Intensifiers

Definition

Intensifiers are adverbs or adjectives that serve to amplify or strengthen the meaning of another word, typically an adjective or adverb. They enhance the degree or intensity of the words they modify, allowing for greater emphasis and focus in communication. This feature is essential in conveying emotions, opinions, and descriptions more vividly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common examples of intensifiers include 'very', 'extremely', 'really', and 'quite', which can significantly change the impact of a sentence.
2. Intensifiers can be used with both adjectives and adverbs to strengthen their meaning, making descriptions more compelling.
3. Overuse of intensifiers can lead to vague language and weaken the overall impact of communication, so it's important to use them judiciously.
4. Intensifiers can also indicate personal feelings or attitudes toward a subject, enhancing the emotional tone of a statement.
5. In writing and speech, the strategic use of intensifiers can create a stronger connection with the audience by evoking more vivid imagery or emotions.

Review Questions

• How do intensifiers function in enhancing the meaning of adjectives and adverbs?
  • Intensifiers function by amplifying the meanings of adjectives and adverbs, allowing speakers and writers to convey stronger feelings or more vivid imagery. For instance, using 'very happy' instead of just 'happy' adds intensity to the emotion being expressed. This technique helps to create a clearer picture in the reader's mind and emphasizes the significance of what is being described.
• Analyze the impact of overusing intensifiers on written and spoken communication.
  • Overusing intensifiers can dilute the effectiveness of communication by making it sound exaggerated or insincere. For example, if someone frequently uses terms like 'really' or 'extremely', their statements may lose credibility and become less impactful. Effective communication requires balance; therefore, it's crucial to reserve intensifiers for moments when emphasis is genuinely needed, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully rather than overwhelm the message.
• Evaluate how intensifiers can shape audience perception and emotional response in persuasive writing.
  • Intensifiers play a vital role in persuasive writing by shaping audience perception and evoking emotional responses. When used strategically, they can heighten the urgency or importance of an argument, making it more compelling. For instance, describing a product as 'incredibly effective' rather than just 'effective' creates a stronger appeal. By amplifying certain aspects of a message through intensifiers, writers can connect more deeply with their audience, influencing their beliefs and actions effectively.

Related terms

Adverbs:

Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating manner, time, place, or degree.

Modifiers: Words or phrases that provide additional information about another word in a sentence, often enhancing its meaning.

Emphasis:

A rhetorical technique used to give special importance or prominence to certain words or phrases in communication.