ardor

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noun ar·dor \ˈär-dər\

Definition of ardor

1a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling the sudden ardors of youthb : extreme vigor or energy : intensity the ardor of a true believerc : zeald : loyalty
2 : sexual excitement

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Examples of ardor in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of ardor from the Web

Republicans seized the Senate and House by electing candidates driven by differing emphases: tea party ardor, pro-business tax-cutting fervor or culturally conservative social views.

— cathleen decker, latimes.com, "In President Trump's wake, divisions mark both Democratic and Republican parties", 31 May 2017
Filming cityscapes and intimate gestures with avid attention, adorning the dialogue with deep confessions and witty asides, Piñeiro conjures a cogently realistic yet gloriously imaginative vision of youthful ardor in love and art alike.

— richard brody, The New Yorker, "Hermia & Helena", 29 May 2017
The same desire, an ardor akin to Ahab’s, animates them all.

— david dobbs, WIRED, "They Froze for Science – and Got the Eggs. Best of Neuron Culture, #8", 6 June 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ardor'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ardor

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of ardor

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable. was a slave to his passions fervor implies a warm and steady emotion. read the poem aloud with great fervor ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived. the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity. never showed much enthusiasm for sports zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause. preaches with fanatical zeal

ARDOR Defined for English Language Learners

ardor

play

noun

Definition of ardor for English Language Learners

: a strong feeling of energy or eagerness
: a strong feeling of love

ARDOR Defined for Kids

ardor

play

noun ar·dor \ˈär-dər\

Definition of ardor for Students

1 : warmth of feeling the ardor of young love
2 : great eagerness : zeal … Amy fell to painting with undiminished ardor. — Louisa May Alcott, Little Women