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furious

adj.
US //ˈfjʊɹiəs// UK //fjˈɔːɹɪəs// fu·ri·ous
  1. 1 extremely angry (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling or showing very strong anger.

    extremely angry; full of or characterized by rage. Often used with the preposition 'with' for people or 'at' for situations.

    Example

    My boss was furious when he found out I had lost the keys.

    Example

    The residents were furious at the council's decision to demolish the historic park without any public consultation.

    Pitfall
    He was very furious with me.
    He was absolutely furious with me.

    Furious is an 'extreme' adjective. Use 'absolutely' or 'totally' instead of 'very' to make it stronger.

  2. 2 intense or fast (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    done with great energy, speed, or violence.

    marked by extreme energy, speed, or intensity; moving with great violence or impetuosity.

    Example

    The two teams played at a furious pace until the very last minute.

    Example

    A furious storm lashed the coast overnight, uprooting trees and causing significant damage to the harbour walls.

Origin

From Middle English furious, from Old French furieus, from Latin furiōsus. Displaced native Old English hātheort (literally “hot-hearted”).

Idioms1 entry

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