English Reference
Adjective

fervent

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈfɝvənt/ UK /fˈɜːvənt/ fer·vent

adj.having or showing very strong and sincere feelings about something. You use this to describe someone who is extremely excited or serious about a belief or activity.

adj.characterised by intense emotion or strong belief; displaying great warmth or intensity of spirit.


SIMPLE

She is a fervent supporter of the local football team.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician's speech was met with fervent applause from the crowd of loyal followers.

COMPLEX

Despite the overwhelming evidence against his theory, the scientist remained a fervent believer in the existence of extraterrestrial life.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to belief, support, or prayer.

The fervent support in the Maldives created an atmosphere they had never felt on the pitch, a surreal experience that carried into a heroes’ welcome in Dhaka.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026

As parents across the country prepare to wave their children off to university, conversations about family finances and the cost of living are growing ever more frequent - and fervent.

BBC News· 23 Aug 2026

From Middle English fervent, from Old French fervent, from Latin fervens, ferventem, present participle of fervere (“to boil, ferment, glow, rage”).

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

This entry
Origin Latin fervens
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated