Intensifiers
Category: Loaded Language
What is it?
Intensifiers are words or phrases that strengthen or amplify the emotional impact of a statement. They increase the perceived severity, importance, or certainty of a claim without adding substantive information.
Examples
'This is an absolutely catastrophic failure of leadership.'
'The evidence is completely overwhelming and utterly conclusive.'
How to Avoid This
Use intensifiers sparingly and only when justified by the evidence. Consider whether your language matches the actual severity or certainty of the situation.
How to Counter This
Question the degree of intensity: 'Is it really 'catastrophic,' or is that an exaggeration? Let's look at the actual impact more precisely.'