English Reference
adjective

ardent

adj.
US /ˈɑɹdənt/ UK /ˈɑːdənt/ ar·dent

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    having or showing very strong feelings about something you like or support.

    characterised by intense emotion, passion, or devotion to a cause, person, or activity.

    Simple

    As an ardent supporter of the local library, she volunteered there every weekend.

    In context

    The senator's ardent defense of the new environmental policy resonated deeply with the younger voters in her district.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic

    very hot or glowing with bright light.

    glowing with heat or light; literally burning or fiery.

    Simple

    The ardent sun beat down on the desert sand all afternoon.

    In context

    The poet described the ardent embers of the dying fire, which cast long and flickering shadows across the stone floor.

Since then, ardent fans have leapt on any rumours or apparent clues in official Rockstar posts.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

An ardent Manchester United supporter, the Jamaican has also been a regular participant in the Soccer Aid charity matches over the past decade.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

First attested circa 14th century as Middle English ardaunt, borrowed from Anglo-Norman ardent and Old French ardant, from Latin ardentem, accusative of ardēns, present participle of ardeō (“I burn”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin ardentem
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated