We can emphasise the meaning of a statement in many ways.
Emphasizing...
Powerful Adjectives
The choice of a strong adjective is a common device.
- It's very hot in here. → It's boiling in here.
- It cost a lot. → The price was exorbitant / astronomical.
- It's a big problem. → It's a monumental / vast / colossal / gigantic problem.
Collocation
Collocation is important when choosing strong adjectives.
For example, a number of intensifying adjectives close to the meaning of 'complete' collocate with particular nouns but not with others.
- an eternal optimist
- a comprehensive defeat
- sheer stupidity
- total nonsense
- utter madness
- unshakable faith
Adverbs of degree
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