ABSTRACT

Elements that are used with other expressions to indicate an intensification of the meaning denoted by the expression they modify; this can happen in various ways (as amplifiers, emphasizers, downtoners, etc.). Both adjectives and adverbs can be used in this function: a clear victory, clearly wrong. There are some intensifiers that can be used only in this function (e.g. the prefix ultra-). A striking fact is the large number of intensifiers in contemporary speech: dead wrong, super elegant, ultramodern, etc., where they are subject to an unusually high rate of wear and tear, which is due to the probably affective component of these elements.