ardor

[ ahr-der ]

noun

1. great warmth of feeling; fervor; passion:

   She spoke persuasively and with ardor.

   Synonyms: earnestness, intensity, spirit, fervency

2. intense devotion, eagerness, or enthusiasm; zeal:

   his well-known ardor for Chinese art.

3. burning heat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ardor¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin, equivalent to ārd ( ēre ) to burn + -or -or ¹; replacing Middle English ardure < Old French ardur < Latin, as above; 17th century ardour < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

To love a Scorpio, then, is to fiercely protect their softness with the same shadowy ardor that they use to construct their inner adamantine fortresses.

From Los Angeles Times

The weak turnout of actual conservative consumers, however, suggests Greene's purported fan base has cooled its ardor.

From Salon

So perhaps it’s not surprising that the ardor and enthusiasm of 2022 have faded.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s dominance style is what separates him from every other politician and explains the ardor he elicits among those who thirst for strong leadership.

From Salon

To each their own with wine, but between Gilbert and Sage Rat, I’ve begun a love affair with Washington-grown grapes that pairs well with an ardor for Washington wildflowers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• eagerness
• earnestness
• fervor
• intensity
• passion
• warmth
• zeal