Fierce
/fɪərs/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by a violent or ferocious intensity.
/fɪərs/
Showing a violent or ferocious intensity.
The fierce tiger stalked its prey.
💡 Simply: When something is fierce, it's like it's showing a lot of strong feelings, like anger or excitement. Imagine a dog with a big bark – that's fierce!
👶 For kids: When something is fierce, it means it is very strong and can be scary.
More Examples
A fierce debate erupted among the politicians.
The fire burned with a fierce intensity.
How It's Used
"The lion was a fierce predator."
"The competition for the job was fierce."
"The storm brought fierce winds and heavy rain."
Showing a passionate or intense feeling.
/fɪərs/
The team played with fierce determination.
💡 Simply: Being fierce can mean you're super passionate or committed to something, like a team that plays with a lot of heart!
👶 For kids: When someone is fierce, it can also mean they are really, really excited about something and work hard.
More Examples
The athlete showed a fierce competitive spirit.
She had a fierce love for her family.
How It's Used
"They showed a fierce loyalty to their friends."
"She was a fierce advocate for environmental protection."
"She fought with fierce determination to win."
Idioms & expressions
fierce competition
Intense rivalry or struggle.
"The tech industry faces fierce competition."
a fierce debate
An intense and often heated discussion.
"The council members held a fierce debate over the new policy."
From Old French *fier* meaning 'proud, haughty, wild'. Ultimately from Latin *ferus* meaning 'wild, untamed'.
Used since the 13th century, initially to describe wild animals and later extended to human characteristics and emotions.
Memory tip
Think of a wild animal's intense attack.