a fierce intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fierce intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is intelligent and also exhibits strong determination and focus. For example, "The CEO is known for her fierce intelligence; she won't entertain any idea which does not fulfill her exacting standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You're not only getting acquainted with a character, you are also watching an actress radiating a fierce intelligence".

The New York Times

"Woody has a fierce wit, a fierce intelligence and a great survival instinct -- he's the quintessential New Yorker".

The New York Times

He combines a raw, muscular screen presence with a fierce intelligence that simmers beneath the surface and occasionally bubbles over.

The Guardian - Film

Although Maxwell is rarely described as a political comic, there is a fierce intelligence and political awareness to his material.

The Guardian

I expected to find a broken country, but met nothing but kindness, generosity and a fierce intelligence.

The Guardian - Opinion

His was hardly the traditional résumé of a presidential candidate, but his potential employers (the voters) gave him credit for a fierce intelligence and lessons learned from life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I do think what The Phoenix brought to the table is an absolutely fierce intelligence, which is rare to find in journalism in any era.

The New York Times

There is always something awkward about watching an actress of fierce intelligence play a more simple soul, and I was relieved, later in the film, to observe M-like dashes of Dench's natural imperiousness — "I did not abandon my child," Philomena declares.

The New Yorker

A wide circle of friends knew him as a man of fierce intelligence and deep humanity, famed for his sense of humour, and a keen golfer and cricketer.

The Guardian - Books

Charles Aitken brilliantly invests O'Rourke with a mix of fierce intelligence, sardonic humour and wild self-destructiveness. Phil Cheadle as a bitter Ulsterman and Michael Shelford as a narcoleptic west countryman also stand out, and Lee Armstrong nicely conveys Evans's fumbling naivety.

The Guardian

These three were bewitching, especially Ms. Wethers, an eloquent dancer whose fierce intelligence is cut by a quiet humor.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fierce intelligence" to describe individuals who not only possess a high level of intellect but also demonstrate a relentless drive and determination in their thinking and actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a fierce intelligence" to merely indicate high IQ or academic achievement. The phrase implies an active, almost combative, approach to intellectual pursuits, not just innate capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fierce intelligence" functions primarily as a descriptive attribute, typically modifying a noun (often a person) to highlight a combination of intellect and intense drive. As supported by Ludwig, it emphasizes not just the presence of intelligence, but its forceful application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fierce intelligence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone with a high level of intellect combined with strong determination. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use in news and media, books, and music contexts. While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, it's important to consider its nuance: it implies an active and almost combative approach to intellectual pursuits, not merely innate capability. Related phrases such as "a keen intellect" or "astute intelligence" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable intellect

Mirrors the intensity of "fierce" while using "formidable" to suggest a powerful and impressive intellect.

astute intelligence

Highlights the perceptive and shrewd nature of the intelligence.

exceptional intellect

Emphasizes the superior quality of the intellect.

profound intellect

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the intellect.

a keen intellect

Replaces "intelligence" with "intellect" and "fierce" with "keen", suggesting a sharp and focused mind rather than a forceful one.

towering intellect

Suggests an intellect of great stature and influence.

a brilliant mind

Substitutes "fierce" with "brilliant", highlighting exceptional mental capacity.

a sharp mind

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on mental acuity rather than the intensity of the intelligence.

intellectual prowess

Replaces the adjective-noun structure with a noun phrase, emphasizing skill and expertise in intellectual pursuits.

remarkable acumen

Replaces "intelligence" with "acumen", suggesting a particular skill in making quick decisions and judgments.

FAQs

How can I use "a fierce intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "a fierce intelligence" to describe someone who is exceptionally smart and demonstrates a strong, determined approach to problem-solving or critical thinking. For instance, "Her success in negotiations was attributed to "a fierce intelligence" and strategic planning".

What is a good synonym for "a fierce intelligence"?

Alternatives to "a fierce intelligence" include "a keen intellect", "astute intelligence", or "formidable intellect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a fierce intelligence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a fierce intelligence" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize both the high level of intellect and the intensity or determination behind it. However, ensure the context justifies the intensity implied by "fierce".

What distinguishes "a fierce intelligence" from "high intelligence"?

"High intelligence" refers to the level of intellectual ability. "A fierce intelligence", on the other hand, suggests not only a high level of intellect but also a strong, almost aggressive, approach to using that intellect. It implies determination and drive, not just inherent capability.