# ardent

/ˈɑɹdənt/ (US) · /ˈɑːdənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ardent
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. passionate or enthusiastic

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- As an ardent supporter of the local library, she volunteered there every weekend.
- The senator's ardent defense of the new environmental policy resonated deeply with the younger voters in her district.

### 2. burning or glowing

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

very hot or glowing with bright light.

For teachers: glowing with heat or light; literally burning or fiery.

- The ardent sun beat down on the desert sand all afternoon.
- The poet described the ardent embers of the dying fire, which cast long and flickering shadows across the stone floor.

## Examples

- She is an ardent supporter of environmental protection.
- The local team has a small but ardent group of fans who attend every single match, even in the rain.
- His ardent pursuit of social justice led him to dedicate his entire career to legal reform, despite the significant personal and financial sacrifices required by such a path.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.