Word
vehement
Phoneticsve·he·ment, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈviəmənt/
UK/vˈiəmənt/
Definition
adj. showing very strong feelings or opinions in a forceful way. You use it when someone speaks or acts with strong passion, often in anger or protest.
adj. expressing intense conviction or forceful emotion, often in vigorous support or opposition. Often modifies speech, denial, criticism, protest, or debate.
Examples
“She makes a vehement protest against the new rule.”
“The parents issue a vehement denial after the school wrongly reports a safety problem.”
“Despite his usually calm manner, his vehement defense of free speech during the debate revealed a depth of conviction few colleagues had suspected.”
Examples
simple
“She makes a vehement protest against the new rule.”
contextual
“The parents issue a vehement denial after the school wrongly reports a safety problem.”
complex
“Despite his usually calm manner, his vehement defense of free speech during the debate revealed a depth of conviction few colleagues had suspected.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vehement” in context.
Verb
01. become vehement
“The debate became vehement as neither side would compromise.”
verb + adj
02. remain vehement
“She remained vehement that the decision was completely unjust.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. equally vehement
“Supporters were equally vehement in defence of the proposal.”
adv + adj
04. most vehement
“He was one of the most vehement critics of the war.”
adv + adj
05. particularly vehement
“She was particularly vehement in her criticism of the new tax policy.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. vehement condemnation
“The attack met with vehement condemnation from world leaders.”
adj + noun
07. vehement criticism
“The report drew vehement criticism from human rights groups.”
adj + noun
08. draw vehement criticism from
“The reform drew vehement criticism from teachers unions.”
09. express vehement opposition to
“Residents expressed vehement opposition to the airport expansion plan.”
10. issue a vehement denial of
“The minister issued a vehement denial of the bribery allegations.”
11. provoke vehement disagreement among
“The proposal provoked vehement disagreement among committee members.”
12. remain a vehement opponent of
“She remained a vehement opponent of capital punishment throughout her career.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; commonly pairs with denial, protest, opposition, criticism, and defense.
Real-World Examples
“One aspect of the game has provoked an unexpectedly vehement response on social media: not violence, but romance.” “Forth was a dedicated parliamentarian and one of the most vehement opponents of the private members' bill process.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French vehement (modern French véhément; compare Italian veemente, Portuguese veemente, Spanish vehemente); or from Latin vehemēns (“vehement; very eager; ardent, furious, impetuous; emphatic”), probably from vē- (“lacking, too little”) + mēns (“mind; intellect; judgment, reasoning”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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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