Fierce
/fɪrs/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Fierce describes something or someone that is very strong, angry, or powerful. It can be used for animals that look dangerous, people who show strong emotions, or situations that are intense and serious. It often means not gentle or calm.
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See It in Action
Showing strong, angry, or powerful behavior
- •The fierce tiger protected its territory from other animals.
- •She gave a fierce look when someone tried to take her book.
- •The debate became fierce as both sides argued loudly.
Very intense or strong in feeling or action
- •There was a fierce competition between the two teams.
- •The fierce wind knocked down many trees during the storm.
- •He has a fierce desire to succeed in his career.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fierce" like "strong," but much more intense and sometimes angry or wild
- ✓Picture a big lion with sharp teeth and loud roar, ready to protect or attack
- ✓It's the feeling when you are very angry or ready to fight for something important to you
- ✓Sounds like "fear-s" → imagine fear mixed with power, like a scary but strong force
- ✓Think of a fierce storm with strong wind and heavy rain that makes everything move fast and wild
- ✓NOT like "nice" or "calm" (gentle and soft), fierce is the opposite—strong and sometimes scary
- ✓NOT like "quiet" or "soft"—fierce is loud, powerful, and full of energy
- ✓NOT like "weak" or "timid"—fierce means brave and strong, not afraid
Try Other Words
- •Intense: very strong or extreme (Use when the focus is on strong feelings or actions, not just power or anger)
- •Powerful: having great strength or force (Use when emphasizing physical or emotional strength)
- •Angry: feeling or showing anger (Use when the main idea is about being upset or mad)
- •Wild: uncontrolled or untamed (Use when describing animals or behavior that is not calm or controlled)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (single root word, no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old English "ferse" or Old Norse "fierce," meaning violent or cruel
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe wild or violent behavior, the word now also means strong and intense in many situations
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, animals, weather, emotions, and actions that are very strong, intense, or angry
Reflect & Connect
•When can being fierce be a good quality, and when can it be a problem?
•How do you feel when you see someone acting fierce? Does it make you feel safe, scared, or something else?
Fill in the blanks
1.The fierce lion ___ its territory to keep other animals away.
2.During the game, the players showed fierce ___ to win.
3.A fierce storm usually brings strong wind and ___ rain.
4.She gave a fierce ___ when someone tried to insult her friend.
5.Fierce competition means the teams are fighting ___ to be the best.
6.When someone is fierce, they are often not ___ or quiet.
7.The fierce wind was so strong that it ___ the trees down.