Word
ferment
Phoneticsfer·ment, stress on the first syllable
/ˈfɝmɛnt/
Definitions
01biochemical process
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
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.
“The grapes were left to ferment in large wooden barrels to make wine.”
“If the mixture is kept at the correct temperature, the yeast will ferment the sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide within a few days.”
Usage
Can be used transitively (to ferment something) or intransitively (something ferments).
Synonyms
02to stir up trouble
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to cause trouble, excitement, or social change.
v. to incite or stir up trouble, disorder, or revolutionary sentiment.
“The new laws began to ferment a spirit of rebellion among the workers.”
“Political activists worked tirelessly to ferment discontent among the rural population, hoping to trigger a widespread movement for reform.”
03social agitation
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
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.
“The country was in a state of political ferment following the sudden election.”
“The intellectual ferment of the late eighteenth century paved the way for radical shifts in scientific and philosophical thought.”
Real-World Examples
“That was in 2004: this book, like a lot of the ideas and energies it animates, needed time to ferment.” “According to the Agriculture Institute, underripe cherries produce sour and astringent flavor compounds, while overripe cherries that have begun to ferment on the branch contribute off-tastes to the final cup.” “Preparing the dish is a labour of love as the beetroots must be prepared several days in advance to ferment.” “Instead, the unfortunate insects are dropped into a jar of warm milk, which is tucked into an ant mound and left to ferment overnight.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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