fervor

especially British, fer·vour

[fur-ver]

noun

1. great warmth and earnestness of feeling.

   to speak with great fervor.

   Synonyms: zeal, passion, ardor

2. intense heat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fervor¹

1350–1400; Middle English fervo ( u ) r < Anglo-French < Latin fervor heat ( fervent, -or ¹ )

Example Sentences

Ms. McGarr, who teaches at University of Wisconsin-Madison, is often acerbic about her subjects but notes that they were “awash in patriotic fervor at the same time that they were distrustful and cynical.”

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The transitional period between Spaceland and the Satellite is marked by the band who helped put it on the map and unintentionally kicked off the fervor to begin with.

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The fervor peaked last week when Kiffin denied that he had been given an ultimatum by Ole Miss to announce his decision before the team’s annual clash against Mississippi State.

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Lala nods with fervor, turns, and begins barking orders to her staff.

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The unveiling of the STM and the planned demo, scheduled to take place later this year, has ignited fervor across the globe.

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Related Words

• ardor 
• earnestness 
• intensity 
• passion 
• piety 
• seriousness 
• sincerity 
• warmth 
• zeal