fierce

USAGE SUMMARY

"fierce" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is strong and intense, such as a storm or an argument. For example, you could say "The fierce storm brought howling winds and heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a fierce opponent of Argentina's decision to legalise gay marriage in 2010, arguing children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother.

The Guardian

Speaking after the ballot on Wednesday night, a composed Gillard said she was proud of her achievements in what "has not been an easy environment to work in" because of the minority parliament, the internal Labor divisions and the Coalition's fierce anti-carbon tax campaign.

The Guardian

Revelations that Michael Jordan had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling barely dented his appeal, since the story reinforced the image of him as a fierce competitor.

The Economist

Contributing to the problem is a fierce appetite for loud music, without an understanding of what this means for hearing in later life.

The Guardian

A clash of fierce rivals, and one of many which will unfold over the next eight days.

The Guardian - Sport

More than two-and-a-half centuries on it has grown into a small, thriving, officially bilingual city, currently bracing itself for another fierce battle between French and English invaders.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than serving either commercial considerations or following the whims of musicians, the work he accomplished as a sleeve designer betrayed a fierce independence, and an obvious belief in art for art's sake.

The Guardian - Music

The standard pop-psychology answer is that dinosaurs are big, fierce and extinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Those who know you understand that you are a man of outstanding insight, fierce determination, and above all, courage.

The Guardian - Business

A stunning free-kick in the 83rd minute by the returning Neymar gave a revamped Brazil a 1-0 friendly victory over a fierce Colombia side in a bad-tempered friendly here on Friday.

The Guardian - Sport

Fringe parties such as the neo-Nazi Chryi party, whose fortunes have risen on the back of anti-immigrant sentiment and fierce opposition to austerity measures, could capture as much as 5%% of the vote according to polls released in the run-up to the election.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fierce" to describe intense competition, strong emotions, or powerful forces. For example, "a fierce debate" or "fierce loyalty."

Common error

Avoid using "fierce" when a milder adjective like "strong" or "intense" would be more appropriate. "Fierce" implies a high degree of intensity or forcefulness.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fierce" primarily functions to intensify the noun it modifies, indicating a high degree of strength, intensity, or aggression. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Books

8%

Opinion

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fierce" is a versatile adjective used to describe a high degree of intensity, strength, or aggression. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and frequently used word in written English. The analysis of example sentences reveals its common application in news, sports, and business contexts. While it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication, overuse in place of milder adjectives should be avoided. Related terms such as "intense", "ferocious", and "violent" can provide nuanced alternatives to "fierce", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense

Focuses more on the degree of strength or feeling.

ferocious

Implies wildness and a readiness to attack.

violent

Highlights the use of physical force and aggression.

vigorous

Suggests energy and active strength.

ardent

Emphasizes passion and enthusiasm.

vehement

Indicates strong and forceful expression of feeling.

savage

Conveys extreme brutality and lack of restraint.

aggressive

Highlights assertive and combative behavior.

determined

Focuses on resoluteness and unwavering purpose.

ruthless

Emphasizes a lack of pity or compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "fierce" in a sentence?

You can use "fierce" to describe intense emotions, strong competition, or powerful forces. For example, "The storm was "violent" and fierce," or "There was a fierce debate about the new policy."

What are some synonyms for "fierce"?

Some synonyms for "fierce" include "intense", "ferocious", "violent", and "vigorous". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fierce" formal or informal?

"Fierce" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It is generally considered a neutral word, suitable for most writing and speaking scenarios.

What's the difference between "fierce" and "ferocious"?

Both "fierce" and "ferocious" describe something powerful and intense, but "ferocious" often implies a wild or savage nature, whereas "fierce" can also refer to determination or intensity without necessarily implying savagery.