WordGarden.iofierce
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈiəs/
US
- /ˈfɪrs/
Meanings
Adjective
aggressive, threatening, or ready to fight
very strong, severe, or intense
passionate, determined, or strongly felt
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)impressively bold, stylish, or excellent
Beyond the definition
"Fierce" is not only about physical strength, though it can be. It describes someone or something with strong, intense energy that can feel powerful, wild, or even a little threatening. You might use it for a lion protecting its cubs, a fierce storm, fierce competition, or fierce determination to reach a goal. The word often suggests force, passion, and a refusal to back down.
You can also use it for people and feelings. Someone who is fiercely independent strongly wants to make their own choices. A fierce competitor wants to win and brings a lot of energy to the contest.
"Fierce" describes a very strong kind of intensity. Sometimes it means wild, violent, or dangerous, as in a fierce storm, a fierce animal, or a fierce attack. In these cases, the word points to power that is hard to control and hard to resist.
But the word is also common in less physical situations. You can talk about fierce competition, fierce debate, or fierce determination. Here, it does not mean wild in a literal sense. Instead, it shows great strength of feeling, effort, or opposition. A fierce opponent is very hard to beat. A fiercely loyal friend cares deeply and stands by you with great force of feeling.
When used for people, "fierce" can be negative or positive depending on context. It may suggest aggression, anger, or severity, but it can also suggest courage, confidence, and strong purpose. A parent may show fierce love when protecting a child. In modern informal English, especially in fashion or pop culture, it can also praise a bold and striking look or attitude.
So the word can describe physical danger, strong emotion, serious competition, or bold personal style. In most cases, it carries the idea of intense power, deep passion, or a strong will that does not easily soften or step aside.
Examples
- 1
Dangerous animals
Two fierce dogs were barking behind the gate.
- 2
Angry look
She gave him a fierce look and told him to be quiet.
- 3
Weather
A fierce storm hit the coast during the night.
- 4
Job market
There is fierce competition for jobs in that field.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public criticism
The government’s plan faced fierce criticism from teachers and parents.
- 6
Political debate
The two candidates were locked in a fierce debate until the very end.
- 7
Strong loyalty
She felt a fierce loyalty to the friend who had helped her through college.
- Phrasefierce loyalty
very strong loyalty
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fierceadjective
Forms
- fiercestsuperlativeadjective
- fiercercomparativeadjective