ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fierce

adj. · adv.
US //ˈfɪɹs// UK //fˈiəs// fierce
  1. 1 violent or aggressive (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very violent, angry, or dangerous.

    exhibiting or characterised by physical violence, ferocity, or aggression.

    Example

    The hikers stayed away from the fierce dog guarding the farm gate.

    Example

    The fierce storm battered the coastline for three days, causing significant structural damage to the older wooden piers.
  2. 2 intense or strong (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing very strong feelings or a lot of energy.

    marked by extreme intensity, power, or resolute activity.

    Example

    There is fierce competition between the two local football teams.

    Example

    The candidate faced fierce opposition from within her own party regarding the proposed changes to the tax code.
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  1. 3 bold and stylish (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    looking very confident, powerful, and fashionable.

    exhibiting exceptional quality, boldness, or an impressive personal presence.

    Example

    She looked absolutely fierce in that bright red suit at the party.

    Example

    The model walked down the runway with a fierce expression that perfectly complemented the avant-garde collection.

    Usage

    Often used as a compliment in fashion or performance contexts.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly positive in modern slang, particularly within LGBTQ+ and fashion communities, whereas the primary sense is often negative.
  2. 4 extremely (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect Informal British English

    used to mean 'very' or 'extremely'.

    functioning as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'very'.

    Example

    It is fierce cold outside today, so make sure you wear a hat.

    Example

    The traffic was fierce heavy on the way into the city, delaying the start of the meeting by nearly an hour.

    Usage

    Commonly used in Irish English as an intensifier before an adjective.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a regional dialect use; learners should be aware of it when visiting Ireland but avoid using it in formal writing.
Origin

From Middle English fers, fiers, borrowed from Old French fers (“wild", "ferocious”), nominative of fer, from Latin ferus (“wild", "untamed”).

Word family

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