a fierce temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fierce temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong or intense anger or emotional reaction. Example: "Despite her calm demeanor, she had a fierce temper that would surface when provoked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He had a fierce temper in his youth.

The New York Times - Books

Known for brilliant insight and a fierce temper, he held the top newsroom post from 1969 until 1986.

The New York Times

The mother of his murdered wife described her former son-in-law as a "control freak with a fierce temper".

The Guardian

Reporters had often romanticized McCain and ignored evidence of his conservative ideology and his personal flaws — a fierce temper, impetuousness, and a tendency to demonize opponents.

The New Yorker

Sultan had a reputation for a fierce temper but his habit of working deep into the night won him the nickname of "bulbul" – nightingale.

The Guardian

He was known as "Sunny Jim," for his easy-going avuncularity, but he could have a fierce temper and a biting tongue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Never mind its numerous chapters and teeming cast of misfits and scoundrels, the central character is an attractively unbridled young man of fierce temper and unrestrained sexuality who pursues true love through contemporary Britain in a sequence of scandalous and hilarious adventures.

The Guardian - Books

Struggling to make a living and to support his young son, whom he shows a distinct lack of compassion or gentle love, he resorts to the world of street boxing in order to not only supply an income, but to unleash the fierce temper which boils beneath his surface.

Huffington Post

He has inherited his father's fierce temper, he admits, along with a tendency to hold grudges.

The New York Times

They were no saints; he had that fierce temper, something for us kids to reckon with, she had a stubborn streak that would drive him wild.

Huffington Post

In Isaacson's "Steve Jobs," a copy of which was obtained by The Huffington Post, the author recalls that Jobs, who was known for his fierce temper, "became angrier than I had ever seen him" during a conversation about Apple's patent lawsuit, which by extension also accused Android of patent infringement.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "a fierce temper" to effectively convey a tendency towards intense and uncontrolled anger. Ensure the context supports the severity implied by 'fierce'.

Common error

Avoid using "a fierce temper" for minor irritations. The word 'fierce' suggests a significant intensity of anger, so reserve it for situations where the emotional response is genuinely strong and potentially destructive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a fierce temper" is to act as a noun phrase describing a characteristic or attribute of a person or character. Ludwig examples show it used to characterize individuals in news articles, historical accounts, and fictional narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fierce temper" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone prone to intense anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and consistent across various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, remember to consider the severity implied by 'fierce' and ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the anger being described. Alternatives like ""an explosive temper"" or ""a fiery temper"" can offer subtle variations in meaning. This phrase effectively conveys a strong emotional characteristic and can enhance descriptions of characters or individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an explosive temper

Emphasizes the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the anger.

a volatile temper

Highlights the unpredictable and unstable nature of the person's anger.

a fiery temper

Suggests a passionate and intense anger, often quick to ignite.

a hot temper

A more common and straightforward way of describing someone easily angered.

an uncontrollable temper

Focuses on the lack of self-control when the person becomes angry.

a violent temper

Implies a potential for physical aggression when angered.

a short fuse

An idiomatic expression indicating a low threshold for anger.

a quick temper

Highlights the speed with which someone gets angry.

a bad temper

A general term for having an unpleasant disposition when angered.

a raging temper

Emphasizes the extreme intensity and uncontrolled nature of the anger.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a fierce temper"?

Having "a fierce temper" means someone is prone to experiencing and expressing anger in an intense and uncontrolled manner. This can manifest as shouting, aggression, or difficulty calming down.

What are some synonyms for "a fierce temper"?

You can use alternatives like "an explosive temper", "a volatile temper", or "a fiery temper" to describe a similar characteristic.

How can I describe someone who gets angry easily without using the word "fierce"?

Consider using phrases like "a short fuse", "a quick temper", or "a hot temper" to describe someone who gets angry easily without implying the same level of intensity.

Is it better to say "a fierce temper" or "a violent temper"?

While both describe anger, "a violent temper" implies potential physical aggression. "A fierce temper" suggests intense anger but doesn't necessarily mean the person will become physically violent. The best choice depends on the specific behavior you want to describe.