Intensifiers and mitigators are special types of adverbs used to intensify or soften the meaning of adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.

1. Intensifiers

Intensifiers make the meaning of an adjective, adverb, or verb stronger. They are often used to express extremes or to add emphasis.

• Examples: very, extremely, totally, absolutely, really, so
• In Sentences:
  • The movie was very interesting.
  • She is extremely happy with the results.
  • He ran so fast that he won the race.

Note: Intensifiers are often used to express high degrees of emotion or importance.

2. Mitigators

Mitigators, also called downtoners, soften the meaning of an adjective, adverb, or verb. They reduce the intensity or strength of the word they modify.

• Examples: quite, rather, somewhat, fairly, slightly
• In Sentences:
  • The weather is quite cold today.
  • She is fairly certain of her answer.
  • He was somewhat disappointed with the result.

Note: Mitigators help to temper strong statements or show partial agreement.