Vehemently
/ˈviːəməntli/
adverbC1
Definition
Vehemently describes an action done with strong emotion, often anger or passion. When someone speaks or acts vehemently, they do it loudly, clearly, and with a lot of energy to show how much they care or disagree.
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See It in Action
To do or say something with strong emotion or force
- •She vehemently denied the accusation during the meeting.
- •He argued vehemently against the new rule.
- •They protested vehemently about the unfair decision.
To express strong disagreement or passion
- •The politician vehemently opposed the proposal.
- •The fans vehemently supported their team despite the loss.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'vehemently' like 'strongly,' but much more powerful and emotional
- ✓Picture someone shouting loudly with their face red because they really want to be heard
- ✓It's the feeling when you really want to prove you are right and won't give up easily
- ✓Sounds like 'VEHE-ment-ly' → Imagine a vehicle (VEH) moving fast and forcefully down a road, showing power
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who argues with strong passion and does not stay quiet
- ✓NOT like 'quietly' (soft, calm), 'vehemently' is loud and full of energy
- ✓NOT like 'mildly' (small or gentle), 'vehemently' means very strong and intense
- ✓NOT like 'calmly' (peaceful), 'vehemently' shows strong feelings, often anger or excitement
Try Other Words
- •Strongly: with great force or intensity (Use when the emotion or force is strong but not extreme)
- •Passionately: with strong feelings and enthusiasm (Use when focusing on positive strong feelings rather than anger)
- •Forcefully: with power and energy (Use when physical or verbal power is emphasized)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'vehement' (adjective meaning strong, intense) + suffix '-ly' (turns adjective into adverb)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'vehementem,' meaning violent or forceful
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 16th century, originally describing strong, forceful actions or emotions
- •Modern usage: Used to describe speaking or acting with strong, passionate feelings, often in arguments or protests
Reflect & Connect
•When is it good or bad to express yourself vehemently? Can strong feelings help or hurt communication?
•How do cultural differences affect the way people show emotions vehemently?
Fill in the blanks
1.She spoke vehemently ___ the unfair treatment, showing she was very upset.
2.When someone disagrees vehemently, they usually feel ___ about the topic.
3.Vehemently is different from calmly because it shows much more ___.
4.He vehemently ___ his opinion, refusing to change his mind.
5.People often express their feelings vehemently when they want to be ___.
6.Unlike quietly, to speak vehemently means to use a ___ voice and strong words.
7.If someone protests vehemently, we can infer they feel very ___ about the issue.