Word
ferocious
Phoneticsfe·ro·cious, stress on the second syllable
US/fɝˈoʊʃəs/
UK/fəɹˈəʊʃəs/
Definition
adj. very violent, aggressive, or strong. You use it to describe a wild animal or a person's intense behavior.
adj. marked by extreme violence, cruelty, or intensity. Often describes predatory behavior or powerful natural forces.
Examples
“The ferocious dog barked at every stranger.”
“A ferocious storm hit the coast last night, causing significant damage to the harbor.”
“The debate grew ferocious as both sides refused to compromise on their core principles, leading to a complete breakdown in communication.”
Examples
simple
“The ferocious dog barked at every stranger.”
contextual
“A ferocious storm hit the coast last night, causing significant damage to the harbor.”
complex
“The debate grew ferocious as both sides refused to compromise on their core principles, leading to a complete breakdown in communication.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns related to conflict, weather, or predatory animals.
Real-World Examples
“Such is the script that a trip to what promises to be a ferocious Anfield - a place Guardiola always described as difficult - is next.” “When an animal is dying, it becomes its most ferocious.” “Soon we’re jumping and riding the ferocious waves and the sight of the beach, east and west, disappears in a haze of sea spray.” Etymology
Taken from Latin ferōx (“wild, bold, savage, fierce”) + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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