Intensity is the strength, power, or concentration of something. When a thunderstorm hits with intensity, the rain pounds hard, the wind howls, and lightning cracks across the sky. When an athlete trains with intensity, they push themselves to their absolute limits, giving every ounce of effort.

The word describes how much of something is present, its degree or level. A whisper has low intensity; a shout has high intensity. A gentle breeze has low intensity; a hurricane has terrifying intensity. The intensity of sunlight changes throughout the day, weak at dawn and strongest at noon.

You can also use intensity to describe emotions or focus. When someone stares with intensity, their gaze is focused and unwavering. When a musician plays with intensity, you feel the passion and emotion pouring through every note. A runner in the final stretch of a race shows intensity in their face and movements, everything focused on reaching that finish line.

Scientists measure the intensity of earthquakes, sound waves, and light. In everyday life, we notice intensity in someone's voice when they care deeply about something, or in the atmosphere before an important game. High intensity usually demands attention; it's hard to ignore something truly intense.