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ardent

American  
[ahr-dnt] / ˈɑr dnt /

adjective

  1. having, expressive of, or characterized by intense feeling; passionate; fervent.

    an ardent vow;

    ardent love.

    Synonyms:
    impassioned , eager , fervid
  2. intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous.

    an ardent theatergoer;

    an ardent student of French history.

    Synonyms:
    keen , avid
  3. fiercely bright; glowing like fire.

    They were frightened by his ardent, burning eyes.

  4. Archaic or Literary.  burning, fiery, or hot.

    the ardent core of a star.


ardent British  
/ ˈɑːdənt /

adjective

  1. expressive of or characterized by intense desire or emotion; passionate

    ardent love

  2. intensely enthusiastic; eager

    an ardent longing

  3. glowing, flashing, or shining

    ardent eyes

  4. rare  burning

    an ardent fever

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • ardency noun
  • ardently adverb
  • ardentness noun

Etymology

Origin of ardent

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin ārdent- (stem of ārdēns, present participle of ārdēre “to burn”), equivalent to ārd- “burn” + -ent- noun and adjective suffix ( -ent ), replacing Middle English ardant, from Middle French

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His descriptions convey with equal force the stillness of the forest, the mute hostility of a marriage, the ardent impulses of youth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greene has notably distanced herself from her party's positions - and from the president - for whom she once was an ardent supporter.

From BBC

She and other family members are ardent critics of Kennedy since his unsuccessful presidential campaign and nomination for the health role.

From BBC

Surely, only the most ardent follower of men's professional golf would recognise this player, who finished in a career best share of seventh at the RSM Classic at Sea Island last week.

From BBC

Kellogg has been one of Kyiv’s most ardent supporters within the administration.

From The Wall Street Journal