Cool MateIntensify vs Strengthen
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Intensify
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Strengthen
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Strengthen
| Intensify | Strengthen | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something stronger or more extreme. | To make something stronger or more powerful. |
| Example | Violence intensified during the night. | Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | greatly, dramatically, rapidly, seem to, tend to, be likely to | considerably, enormously, greatly, help (to), serve to, be designed to, against, an attempt to strengthen something, an effort to strengthen something, be aimed at strengthening something |
| Antonyms | diminish, reduce, weaken | weaken, diminish, reduce |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confused with 'strength' as a noun., Used incorrectly with an intransitive verb pattern (e.g., 'strengthen' alone without an object)., Saying 'make strong' instead of 'strengthen'. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use 'strengthen' when referring to making an argument, relationship, or physical object stronger. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but can sound more formal in some situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Intensify vs Strengthen
What's the difference between Intensify and Strengthen?
Intensify: To make something stronger or more extreme. Strengthen: To make something stronger or more powerful.
Which is more common: Intensify and Strengthen?
Strengthen is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Intensify and Strengthen?
Intensify is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Intensify and Strengthen the same CEFR level?
Intensify: C1, Strengthen: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Intensify and Strengthen?
Intensify: verb, Strengthen: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Intensify: Violence intensified during the night. Strengthen: Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.
Can I use Intensify and Strengthen interchangeably?
Not always. Intensify and Strengthen 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.