ardent

[ ahr-dnt ]

See synonyms for ardent on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having, expressive of, or characterized by intense feeling; passionate; fervent: an ardent vow;ardent love.
intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous: an ardent theatergoer;an ardent student of French history.

fiercely bright; glowing like fire: They were frightened by his ardent, burning eyes.
Archaic or Literary. burning, fiery, or hot: the ardent core of a star.

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 (see -ent), replacing Middle English ardant, from Middle French

Other words for ardent

1	fervid, eager, impassioned
2	avid, keen

See synonyms for ardent on Thesaurus.com

Other words from ardent

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

Words Nearby ardent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ardent in a sentence

The outré character is sure to throw even the most ardent fans of the Golden Globe winner for a loop.
Michael C. Hall on Going Drag for ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ and Exorcising ‘Dexter’ | Marlow Stern | December 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Many people are ambivalent about it, including many ardent pro-choice activists.
Ten Reasons Women Are Losing While Gays Keep Winning | Jay Michaelson | July 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Certain elements of the conservative blogosphere have become ardent supporters of McDaniel.
Racists and Conspiracy Nuts Turn Cochran Call Into The Biggest Campaign Sh*tshow of 2014 | Ben Jacobs | July 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The pathetic dives and writhing on the field is a turn off to the most ardent American fan.
What Hillary Clinton Can Learn From Portugal, Costa Rica, and England in the World Cup | Nathan Daschle | July 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
No one agreed more than the members of an ardent and motivated fan base within the CIA.
Why the CIA Loved ‘Doctor Zhivago’ | Kevin Canfield | June 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

A burning crimson flushed over the cheek of Wharton, as Louis uttered this ardent appeal to friendship and to Heaven.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
He felt that all her force, like a strong and ardent stream, was flowing into the new channel which he had cut for her.
Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
It was a stirring time, for Scotchmen encounter their Hogmanhay with ardent spirits.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph Tatlow
Suchet, an ardent student of human nature, was quick to appreciate how to turn to his use this provincialism.
Napoleon's Marshals | R. P. Dunn-Pattison
At any rate, they petitioned Parliament for the removal of this too ardent fisherman, and he was sequestered accordingly.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries | Charles G. Harper

British Dictionary definitions for ardent

ardent

/ (ˈɑːdənt) /

adjective

expressive of or characterized by intense desire or emotion; passionate: ardent love
intensely enthusiastic; eager: an ardent longing

glowing, flashing, or shining: ardent eyes
rare burning: an ardent fever

Origin of ardent

C14: from Latin ārdēre to burn

Derived forms of ardent

ardency, noun
ardently, adverb

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

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