Fervent
/ˈfɜːrvənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Fervent describes a strong and deep feeling or belief. When someone is fervent, they care a lot and show great energy or excitement about a person, idea, or cause. It is more intense than just being interested or happy.
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See It in Action
Showing strong and sincere feelings or beliefs
- •She is a fervent supporter of animal rights.
- •His fervent hope is to see peace in the world.
- •They made a fervent promise to help each other.
Expressing passion or enthusiasm with energy
- •The crowd gave a fervent applause at the end of the concert.
- •He gave a fervent speech about protecting the environment.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fervent" like "happy" but much stronger—it is not just feeling good, it is feeling very passionate and serious
- ✓Picture a person speaking with bright eyes and loud voice because they really believe in what they say
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when you really want something to happen and you care deeply about it
- ✓Sounds like "FUR-vent" → imagine warm fur that feels strong and soft, like warm feelings inside you
- ✓Think of famous speeches where speakers show strong emotion and belief, like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
- ✓NOT like "calm" (quiet and relaxed); "fervent" is full of energy and strong emotion
- ✓NOT like "casual" (not serious); "fervent" means serious and deeply involved
- ✓NOT like "angry" (negative emotion); "fervent" can be positive passion or strong hope
Try Other Words
- •Enthusiastic: showing excitement and interest (Use when feelings are happy and eager but less serious)
- •Ardent: very strong and eager feelings (Use when emphasizing strong warmth and energy)
- •Zealous: very active and passionate about a cause (Use when the passion leads to action)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: From Latin "fervent-" meaning boiling or glowing (like heat inside)
- •Etymology: Comes from Latin "fervere," meaning "to boil" or "to be hot"
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe heat, later used metaphorically for strong feelings
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people’s strong emotions, beliefs, or support for causes or ideas
- •Interesting fact: The word connects feelings to heat, like strong emotions "burning" inside
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt fervent about something important in your life? How did you show it?
•Can someone be fervent about an idea without showing it loudly? How might that look?
Fill in the blanks
1.She spoke with fervent ___ about the need to protect nature.
2.A fervent ___ for change can inspire many people to act.
3.Unlike calm interest, fervent feelings are usually ___ and deep.
4.When someone is fervent, they often ___ their beliefs with strong words.
5.The crowd gave a fervent ___ after the inspiring speech.
6.Fervent support usually comes from a ___ personal connection to the cause.
7.You might feel fervent ___ when you care about something very much and want it to succeed.