fervent

adjective

fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt 

1

: exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous

fervent prayers

a fervent admirer/supporter/proponent

… they've built one of the most fervent fan bases in electronic music …

—Niyaz Pirani

2

: very hot : glowing

the fervent sun

fervently adverb

Synonyms of fervent

• passionate
• warm
• passional
• ardent
• intense
• emotional

Choose the Right Synonym for fervent

impassioned, passionate, ardent, fervent, fervid, perfervid mean showing intense feeling.

impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

Examples of fervent in a Sentence

a fervent speech that called for tolerance and compassion for those who are different

in the thick, fervent air of a tropical afternoon, a languor set in

Recent Examples on the Web

Seven spots on the shortlists for Frankenstein means del Toro can probably book his ticket to the Dolby now, even though a lack of fervent support could once again land him outside the Director five. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

In the aftermath of Kansas City’s loss to the Chargers, Jones was fervent in saying the team would finish strong, though there is little incentive to push any player to play through injury at this stage. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025

The rows of seats gave the appearance of a fervent church congregation. —Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2025

If fans are the market (with sport leaders setting direction), then fervent workers are the ones turning ideas into execution. —Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fervent

• servant
• maidservant
• manservant
• observant

Kids Definition

fervent

adjective

fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt 

: having or expressing great warmth or depth of feeling

a fervent hope

fervency

-vən-sē

noun

fervently adverb