Fervent

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin fervens, present participle of fervere ("to boil, ferment, glow, rage").

Full definition of fervent

Adjective

1. Exhibiting particular enthusiasm, zeal, conviction, persistence, or belief.
• 1819, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Mathilda, ch. 3:As I returned my fervent hopes were dashed by so many fears.
2. Having or showing emotional warmth, fervor, or passion.
• 1876, Wilkie Collins, "Mr. Captain and the Nymph," in Little Novels,Never again would those fresh lips touch his lips with their fervent kiss!
3. Glowing, burning, very hot.
• 1611, King James Version of the Bible, , :But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Derived terms

• fervently

Related terms

• fever
• ferment
• fervid
• fervor