fervent

fer·vent

adj \ˈfər-vənt\

Definition of FERVENT

1

: very hot : glowing

2

: exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous <fervent prayers>

— fer·vent·ly adverb

Examples of FERVENT

1. <a fervent speech that called for tolerance and compassion for those who are different>
2. <in the thick, fervent air of a tropical afternoon, a languor set in>

Origin of FERVENT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FERVENT

Synonyms: ardent, blazing, burning, charged, demonstrative, emotional, fervid, feverish, fiery, flaming, glowing, hot-blooded, impassioned, incandescent, intense, passional, passionate, perfervid, red-hot, religious, superheated, torrid, vehement, warm, warm-blooded, on fire

Antonyms: cold, cool, dispassionate, emotionless, impassive, unemotional

Related Words: gushing, gushy, maudlin, mawkish, mushy, saccharine, sappy, schmaltzy, sentimental, sloppy, sugary; histrionic, melodramatic; enthusiastic, gung ho, keen, zealous; enamored, infatuated, obsessed; uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained; frenzied, orgiastic, overemotional, overexcited, overheated

Near Antonyms: detached, dry, impersonal, objective; reserved, undemonstrative

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See Synonym Discussion at impassioned

Rhymes with FERVENT

servant