WordGarden.iofervid
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈfɜː.vɪd/adjective
US
- /ˈfɜrvəd/
Meanings
Adjective
intensely passionate or enthusiastic
very hot or burning
Beyond the definition
Imagine someone so excited about something that they seem to burn with feeling. That is the idea behind "fervid." It describes emotions, support, or speech that are full of strong passion and intensity. A fervid supporter of a sports team is not just cheering; they are shouting, waving flags, and feeling every play deeply. You might also hear about a fervid debate, where people are not simply sharing ideas but defending them with real emotional force. The word carries a sense of inner heat.
Its root is linked to boiling, so the image is of something bubbling over with energy. It is stronger than simple liking. In stories and essays, it often appears in contexts such as love, belief, art, politics, or public support, where emotions run high.
"Fervid" describes something marked by strong, passionate feeling. It goes beyond ordinary enthusiasm and suggests an almost burning intensity. You might read about a fervid speech, a fervid supporter, a fervid admirer, or fervid praise. In each case, the idea is the same: the feeling is deep, forceful, and openly expressed.
The word often appears when describing beliefs, emotions, devotion, or support. A fervid believer is full of intense faith. A fervid fan shows powerful devotion. A fervid appeal or argument is driven by deep feeling rather than calm distance. The term is especially common in literary, historical, and formal writing, where it adds a sense of emotional heat.
It is usually positive or neutral, but it can sometimes suggest an intensity that feels excessive or overwhelming. Depending on the context, it may hint at zeal that inspires others or passion that clouds judgment. That is why it can fit both admiration and criticism.
Historically, "fervid" comes from the Latin fervere, meaning "to boil." That history helps explain the image behind the word: emotions that seem heated, boiling, or close to overflowing. In modern English, it is mainly used for intense feeling rather than literal heat. When a person, speech, movement, or expression seems to burn with passion, "fervid" is often a fitting choice.
Examples
- 1
Political support
The senator still has a few fervid supporters in the party.
- 2
Public speech
His fervid speech kept the crowd listening in silence.
- 3
Literary style
The book is full of fervid images and emotional language.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- fervid rhetoric
- fervid supporter
- fervid imagination
Word family
- fervidly
- fervor
Explore
- enthusiasm
- emotional intensity
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fervidadjective