Word
fierce
Meanings
showing strong anger, aggression, or intensity that may frighten others
very intense or powerful (especially about weather, heat, or fire)
very strong and determined; extremely competitive
Definition
Very strong and intense in a way that can be frightening or impressive.
If someone or something is fierce, it shows great intensity, power, or determination. It can describe aggressive anger, strong competition, or extreme natural forces. The word often suggests energy that is hard to control or resist.
Examples
- The coach demanded fierce concentration during the final minutes of the match.
- I felt a fierce surge of protectiveness when the stranger grabbed my bag.
- She faced fierce criticism online but responded with calm, detailed explanations.
- They entered the debate expecting fierce opposition from the other side.
- After a fierce storm, the streets were littered with fallen branches.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use "fierce" to mean simply "strong" or "big" (e.g., "a fierce building"), but it usually implies intensity, aggression, or powerful force.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.