fervent

UK: ˈfɜːvənt | US: ˈfɜːrvənt

Definition

  1. adj. intensely passionate or enthusiastic

  2. adj. glowing or burning with heat (archaic)

Structure
ferv <to boil, glow (from Latin *fervēre*)>ent <adjective suffix (from Latin *-entem*)>
Etymology

The word fervent traces back to the Latin verb fervēre, meaning "to boil" or "glow." This root reflects both literal heat (as in boiling liquid) and metaphorical intensity (passion). The suffix -ent (from Latin -entem) forms adjectives indicating a state or quality. Over time, fervent shifted from describing physical heat (e.g., fervent metal) to emotional fervor (e.g., fervent belief), retaining its core idea of intense energy.

Examples

  1. She gave a fervent speech about climate change.

  2. His fervent devotion to the cause inspired others.

  3. The artist worked with fervent energy on her masterpiece.

  4. In medieval texts, fervent often described molten metals.

  5. The team celebrated their victory with fervent cheers.