ferment
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to change a substance, like sugar, into alcohol or acid using yeast or bacteria.
v.to undergo or cause fermentation, typically involving the anaerobic breakdown of organic substances by microorganisms.
Simple“The grapes were left to ferment in large wooden barrels to make wine.”
In context“If the mixture is kept at the correct temperature, the yeast will ferment the sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide within a few days.”
UsageCan be used transitively (to ferment something) or intransitively (something ferments).
Synonymsbrewleaven - 02 C1 Advanced
v.to cause trouble, excitement, or social change.
v.to incite or stir up trouble, disorder, or revolutionary sentiment.
Simple“The new laws began to ferment a spirit of rebellion among the workers.”
In context“Political activists worked tirelessly to ferment discontent among the rural population, hoping to trigger a widespread movement for reform.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a state of confusion, excitement, or change in a group of people.
n.a state of agitation, unrest, or turbulent change within a society or organisation.
Simple“The country was in a state of political ferment following the sudden election.”
In context“The intellectual ferment of the late eighteenth century paved the way for radical shifts in scientific and philosophical thought.”
From Middle English ferment, from Middle French ferment, from Latin fermentāre (“to leaven, ferment”), from fermentum (“substance causing fermentation”), from fervēre (“to boil, seethe”). See also fervent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.