Concentrated, thorough, or involving great effort or focus within a limited time or space. Highly focused or demanding sustained attention.
From Medieval Latin intensivus, from Latin intendere meaning 'to stretch toward' or 'to strain.' The grammatical term describing words that strengthen meaning led to the broader sense of concentrated effort.
In grammar, intensive pronouns like 'myself' add emphasis rather than new meaning, which perfectly captures how intensive activities amplify normal effort without changing the basic nature of what we're doing. Medical 'intensive care' units embody this principle of concentrated attention and resources.
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