noun
fervor
FUR-vur/ˈfərvər/
Intense enthusiasm or passionate feeling.
The choir sings with shared fervor.
Etymology
From a verb meaning “boil” or “be hot,” Latin fervor named both violent heat and passion. English preserves that image of heat as the warmth or intensity of feeling.
In context
Riding a wave of anti-Washington anti-elite fervor, Trump took on and defeated 16 Republican candidates.
More examples
- The crowd’s fervor increased as the speech continued.
- He approached the project with almost religious fervor.
- Their initial fervor faded after several setbacks.
Forms
fervor
fervent adjective — deeply passionate or enthusiastic
Similar words
- enthusiasm
- Enthusiasm is eager interest; fervor suggests especially intense, passionate commitment.
- zeal
- Zeal emphasizes energetic devotion to a goal; fervor emphasizes the strength of feeling.