Etymology Map
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Fervent

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means having passionate intensity

Where does the word "fervent" come from? It comes from Latin fervens, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
fervens
Latin · ancient
"boiling, glowing"
present participle of 'fervere', to boil
2
Stage 2 of 2
fervent
English · 1300s
"burning"
came into English through French 'fervent'
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Read the full story

Fervent’s story begins in Latin: fervens meant “boiling, glowing.” Present participle of 'fervere', to boil. It reached English by 1300s as fervent. Came into English through French 'fervent'. Today, fervent means having passionate intensity.