Main Entry:

fer·vent

Pronunciation:

\ˈfər-vənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin fervent-, fervens, present participle of fervēre to boil, froth — more at barm

Date:

14th century

1 : very hot : glowing 2 : exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous <fervent prayers>

synonyms see impassioned

— fer·vent·ly adverb