Cool MateEscalate vs Intensify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Escalate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Intensify
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| Escalate | Intensify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈeskəleɪt/","/ˈeskəleɪts/","/ˈeskəleɪtɪd/","/ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈeskəleɪt/","/ˈeskəleɪts/","/ˈeskəleɪtɪd/","/ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To become worse or to make something worse. | To make something stronger or more extreme. |
| Example | the **escalating costs** of healthcare | Violence intensified during the night. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | escalate tensions, escalate the conflict, escalate a situation, escalate quickly, escalate an issue | greatly, dramatically, rapidly, seem to, tend to, be likely to |
| Antonyms | de-escalate, calm, reduce | diminish, reduce, weaken |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'escalator' — they have different meanings., Misused in casual contexts where 'grow' or 'increase' would be better., Omitting the object when saying 'escalate' (e.g., 'The conflict escalated' is correct, but 'The conflict escalates' may lack context). | Using 'intensify' incorrectly with inanimate objects, like 'intensify the chair.', Confusing 'intensify' with 'intensification', which is a different form., Using 'intensify' in past tense incorrectly, such as 'intensified' without context. |
| Usage notes | Used in contexts where a situation is intensifying, often relating to conflicts or problems. Not suitable for casual conversation unless discussing serious issues. | Use 'intensify' when describing emotions, situations, or actions that become stronger. It fits in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Escalate vs Intensify
What's the difference between Escalate and Intensify?
Escalate: To become worse or to make something worse. Intensify: To make something stronger or more extreme.
Are Escalate and Intensify the same CEFR level?
Escalate: C1, Intensify: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Escalate and Intensify?
Escalate: verb, Intensify: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Escalate: the **escalating costs** of healthcare Intensify: Violence intensified during the night.
Can I use Escalate and Intensify interchangeably?
Not always. Escalate and Intensify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.