ferocious temper

USAGE SUMMARY

'ferocious temper' is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has a short temper or a violent temper. For example: "He was known for having a ferocious temper and would often lose his temper over the smallest things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The room, whose primary occupant has a ferocious temper, is known to some as the Woodshed.

The New Yorker

Although generous and loyal, Epstein was renowned for a ferocious temper.

The Guardian - Music

"Wittgenstein's Poker" is full of similar testimony, about Popper's ferocious temper and his inability to accept criticism of any kind.

The New Yorker

'I really didn't have the skills for parenthood, and for a while I had a ferocious temper.

The Guardian - Film

Lean and wiry, and capable of a ferocious temper, Protheroe was a staunch and sincere defender of the BBC and its values, with a strongly developed competitive streak.

Independent

As a college football star at the University of Miami, he had a ferocious temper, and was always getting into fights.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"When she was younger, if anyone crossed her path, like her sisters or brothers, she had a ferocious Irish temper.

The New York Times

Former colleagues describe a man of ferocious intellect and temper who could digest vast strategy documents in minutes while reciting beat poetry in English and penning lyrics for rock bands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Luck, then, but character too: Jalowicz was a fighter, blessed with an even temper, optimism, a ferocious will, a clear sense of what life could offer her and a readiness to laugh at herself.

The Guardian - Books

Slight and stringy-haired, uneducated and unassuming, Carson was a consummate outdoorsman with a temper that could be ferocious and an ability to adapt to a world that was quickly changing.

Los Angeles Times

But Irene Worth, in New York 16 years after the premiere, tempered theatricality with a ferocious exploiter's humanity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or historical figure, use "ferocious temper" to vividly illustrate their capacity for intense anger and the potential consequences of it.

Common error

Avoid overusing "ferocious temper" to describe minor annoyances. Reserve it for situations where the anger displayed is truly intense and potentially destructive, otherwise consider weaker terms like "bad temper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ferocious temper" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a characteristic or attribute of a person. It is an intensifier of the noun "temper", denoting a disposition characterized by extreme anger and volatility. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in describing individuals known for their intense emotional reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ferocious temper" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone prone to intense anger, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, highlighting its descriptive power in portraying individuals with volatile personalities. Alternatives such as "fiery temperament" or "violent disposition" can be used to add nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its application, advising writers to reserve it for truly intense anger to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad temper

A simpler and more general term for being easily angered.

quick to anger

Describes the ease with which someone becomes angry.

easily provoked

Focuses on the ease with which someone can be made angry.

hot-headed

Focuses on impulsivity and acting rashly in anger.

fiery temperament

Emphasizes the passionate and easily ignited nature of the anger.

volatile disposition

Emphasizes the unpredictable and unstable nature of the anger.

irascible nature

Highlights a consistently irritable and easily angered personality.

violent disposition

Focuses on the inclination towards violence rather than just anger.

explosive personality

Emphasizes the sudden and intense outbursts of anger.

uncontrollable rage

Highlights the lack of control over one's anger.

FAQs

How can I use "ferocious temper" in a sentence?

You can use "ferocious temper" to describe someone who gets angry easily and intensely, such as, "The editor was known for his "ferocious temper" and demanding nature".

What are some alternatives to "ferocious temper"?

Alternatives to "ferocious temper" include "violent disposition", "fiery temperament", or "uncontrollable rage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ferocious temper" in formal writing?

Yes, "ferocious temper" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a character's personality or analyzing historical events. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "bad temper" and "ferocious temper"?

"Bad temper" is a general term for being easily angered, while "ferocious temper" implies a much more intense, potentially violent, and uncontrollable anger. Therefore, "bad temper" suggests mild irritability, while "ferocious temper" suggests extreme volatility.