ardent

[ ahr-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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈardency, noun
• ˈardently, adverb

Other Words From

• ar·dent·ly adverb
• ar·den·cy [ahr, -dn-see], ar·dent·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ardent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ardent¹

C14: from Latin ārdēre to burn

Example Sentences

The outré character is sure to throw even the most ardent fans of the Golden Globe winner for a loop.

From The Daily Beast

Many people are ambivalent about it, including many ardent pro-choice activists.

From The Daily Beast

Certain elements of the conservative blogosphere have become ardent supporters of McDaniel.

From The Daily Beast

The pathetic dives and writhing on the field is a turn off to the most ardent American fan.

From The Daily Beast

No one agreed more than the members of an ardent and motivated fan base within the CIA.

From The Daily Beast

A burning crimson flushed over the cheek of Wharton, as Louis uttered this ardent appeal to friendship and to Heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

He felt that all her force, like a strong and ardent stream, was flowing into the new channel which he had cut for her.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a stirring time, for Scotchmen encounter their Hogmanhay with ardent spirits.

From Project Gutenberg

Suchet, an ardent student of human nature, was quick to appreciate how to turn to his use this provincialism.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate, they petitioned Parliament for the removal of this too ardent fisherman, and he was sequestered accordingly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avid
• fervent
• fierce
• impassioned
• intense
• keen
• passionate
• vehement
• zealous