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Meaning & use

fierce

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/fɪəs/
US/fɪrs/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Aggressive and likely to attack, in a frightening way.

    Grammar: Describes animals, people or their looks: a fierce dog, a fierce glare.

    Patterns

    • a fierce animal
    • a fierce look
    • fierce in battle

    The farmer warned us about the fierce dog behind the gate.

    A fierce glare crossed her face when she saw the mess.

    The warriors were known to be fierce in battle.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Very strong, intense or violent, as with a feeling, struggle or weather.

    Grammar: Often before a noun: fierce competition, fierce heat.

    Patterns

    • fierce competition
    • fierce winds
    • fierce debate

    The two firms face fierce competition for the contract.

    A fierce wind blew down several trees.

    They had a fierce argument about the plan.

  3. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Showing great determination and loyalty when supporting someone or something.

    Grammar: Positive in tone when describing supporters: a fierce defender.

    Patterns

    • fiercely loyal
    • a fierce supporter
    • fierce about something

    She is a fierce defender of the rights of workers.

    He was fiercely loyal to his team.

    The mother was fierce about protecting her children.

  4. adjectivecomparableslang

    Impressive, bold or stylish.

    Grammar: Slang use, often spoken to compliment appearance: you look fierce.

    Patterns

    • look fierce

    She walked in wearing a fierce red coat.

    That dancer was absolutely fierce on stage.

    His new haircut looks fierce.

Word forms

comparativefiercer
superlativefiercest

Common combinations

fierce competition
Fierce competition keeps the prices down.
fierce loyalty
The dog showed fierce loyalty to its owner.
fierce opposition
The plan met fierce opposition from residents.
fierce storm
A fierce storm hit the coast on Friday.
fiercely independent
The village remains fiercely independent.
fierce heat
The fierce heat made walking impossible.

Synonyms and how they differ

ferocious
Ferocious is even more savage and violent, usually describing animals or attacks, while fierce can also be admiring.
intense
Intense simply means very strong and carries no hint of violence or threat.
aggressive
Aggressive suggests a readiness to attack or confront, often with a negative sense, which fierce does not always have.
savage
Savage stresses brutal, uncontrolled cruelty, while fierce may be admiring and controlled.

Opposites

gentlemildmeek

Word family

fiercely adverb
in a strong, intense way
fierceness noun
the quality of being fierce
fiercer adjective
comparative form
fierceness noun
strong, wild aggression or intensity

Commonly confused: fierce or fears?

fierce vs fears

Fears is the plural of fear, a feeling of being afraid, and it sounds a bit like fierce but is a different part of speech.

Practice

The two rival teams faced ____ competition for the title.

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