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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.

He began as a Royal Academician, became an ardent revolutionary, barely escaped execution after the fall of Robespierre, went on to be Napoleon’s chief propagandist, and ended life a political exile.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both were Montagnards, members of the Revolution’s most ardent faction; Corday, from the rival Girondins, gained entry to Marat’s bathroom by claiming to have information on Girondin fugitives.

From The Wall Street Journal

Leopold, an ardent Nazi, worked as a deputy to Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister.

From The Wall Street Journal

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