fervent

adjective

fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt How to pronounce fervent (audio)
1
: very hot : glowing
the fervent sun
2
: exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous
fervent prayers
a fervent proponent
fervent patriotism
fervently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for fervent

impassioned, passionate, ardent, fervent, fervid, perfervid mean showing intense feeling.

impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

Examples of fervent in a Sentence

a fervent speech that called for tolerance and compassion for those who are different in the thick, fervent air of a tropical afternoon, a languor set in
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Republican and fervent supporter of former president Donald Trump won the Centennial State's third congressional district in 2022 by a wafer thin 546 votes. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Following are 15 mountain towns in California that offer natural beauty, contemporary amenities, and a solid look at the landscapes that inspired one of nature’s most fervent champions. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2024 The heir to the throne is patron of the Football Association, soccer's governing body in England, and a fervent fan of the Aston Villa team, a passion he's seemingly passed to Prince George. Janine Henni, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Loomer, known for her outspoken far-right views and fervent loyalty to former President Donald Trump, recently criticized RFK Jr. in a series of social media posts, questioning his authenticity and alleging lack of transparency relating to fundraising and donations. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fervent 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin fervent-, fervens, present participle of fervēre to boil, froth — more at barm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fervent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fervent

Cite this Entry

“Fervent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fervent. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

fervent

adjective
fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt How to pronounce fervent (audio)
: having or expressing great warmth or depth of feeling
a fervent hope
fervency
-vən-sē
noun
fervently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fervent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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