Intensifiers and Mitigators: English Vocabulary List

over a large area or covering a wide range of subjects, places, or people

"The doctor examined the patient extensively."

"The doctor examined the patient extensively and ordered several tests to determine the cause of his symptoms."

seriously enough to cause concern or worry

"He was gravely injured in the crash."

"He was gravely injured in the crash and the doctors said that he was lucky to have survived at all."

To an unusually high degree, in a way that is far above average or standard

"The food was exceptionally delicious tonight."

"The food was exceptionally delicious tonight and the service was also very fast and friendly at the restaurant."

to an exceptional or remarkable degree

"The task was exceedingly difficult to complete."

"The task was exceedingly difficult to complete and only a few people managed to finish it on time."

to an excessive degree

"Do not be overly worried about small things."

"Do not be overly worried about small things because stress is bad for your health and happiness in the long run."

in a way that increases more and more rapidly over time

"The population grew exponentially over the decade."

"The population grew exponentially over the decade and the city had to build many new schools and hospitals to keep up."

in a manner that is of very high significance or scale

"The project was monumentally difficult."

"The project was monumentally difficult and took five years to complete but the final result was worth all the effort."

to a large amount, intensity, or degree

"The view improved tremendously."

"The view improved tremendously after we climbed to the top of the hill and could see the entire valley below us."

to a great or vast degree

"The team benefited enormously from her help."

"The team benefited enormously from her experience and she taught them many valuable skills and techniques."

complete or total, without limitation or moderation

"That is downright silly."

"His behavior was downright rude and unacceptable for a formal dinner party."

to a greater extent than is reasonable or acceptable

"Do not be unduly worried about the test."

"Do not be unduly worried about the test because you have studied hard and you are well prepared for it."

to a specific degree, particularly when compared to other similar things

"The house is relatively cheap."

"The house is relatively cheap compared to others in the same neighborhood because it needs some repairs and renovations."

used to say that something such as a number or amount is not exact

"The trip takes approximately two hours."

"The trip takes approximately two hours depending on traffic conditions and the route you choose to take."

to a degree that is enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose

"The room was adequately heated."

"The room was adequately heated so we did not feel cold even though the temperature outside was below freezing."

used to indicate that something is true or applicable only to some extent or degree

"His success was in part due to luck."

"His success was in part due to luck but mostly it came from his hard work and dedication."

to the highest or utmost degree

"She is supremely confident in her abilities."

"She is supremely confident in her abilities and never doubts herself even when facing a difficult challenge."

having a strong or far-reaching effect

"We need drastic action."

"The company took drastic measures to cut costs including reducing salaries and eliminating bonuses for all employees regardless of seniority."

emphasizing the intensity or pureness of a particular quality or emotion

"It is sheer luck."

"The sheer size of the mountain was overwhelming and we realized that climbing to the top would take much longer than we had planned."