ardor

ar·dor

noun \ˈär-dər\

Definition of ARDOR

1

a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling <the sudden ardors of youth> b : extreme vigor or energy : intensity c : zeal d : loyalty

2

: sexual excitement

Examples of ARDOR

1. the sudden ardors of youth
2. <candidates for citizenship reciting the oath of allegiance to the United States with all the ardor that they could muster>

Origin of ARDOR

Middle English ardour, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin ardor burning, heat, ardor, from aridus dry — more at arid

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ARDOR

Synonyms: ardency, emotion, enthusiasm, fervency, fervidness, fervor, fire, heat, intenseness, intensity, passion, passionateness, vehemence, violence, warmth, white heat

Antonyms: impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity

Related Words: cathexis; emotionalism, emotionality, histrionics, mawkishness, melodrama, sappiness, sentimentality; eagerness, earnestness, excitement, gusto, keenness, zest; fanaticism, fever, hot-bloodedness, infatuation, mania, obsession, zeal; compassion, responsiveness, sentiment, sympathy, tenderness; torridity, torridness

Near Antonyms: aloofness, calmness, collectedness, composure, detachedness, dryness, phlegm, reserve, reservedness, reticence, taciturnity; apathy, indifference, stoicism, stoniness, unconcern; stiffness, woodenness; chilliness, coldness, coolness, frigidity, frigidness

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See Synonym Discussion at passion

Rhymes with ARDOR

carder, guarder, larder, yarder