ferociously

/fəˈrəʊʃəsli/ (bre, ipa) · /fəˈrəʊʃəsli/ (ame, ipa)

ferociously — adverb

1. with such dangerous force that the action seems ready to hurt, damage, or destro

1.副詞C1
釋義

with such dangerous force that the action seems ready to hurt, damage, or destroy

例句

The dog barked ferociously and snapped at the delivery man's bag.

ferociously describing aggressive animal behavior

Rohan kicked ferociously at the locked gate until the chain broke.

同義詞
  • violently

    the broadest choice for action involving real force or damage

  • savagely

    stronger in tone and suggests wild, brutal violence

  • viciously

    emphasises cruelty and a desire to cause pain

反義詞
  • gently

    describes soft, careful action without force

  • peacefully

    describes action without fighting, attack, or violent conflict

用法筆記

Often used for attacks, fights, or weather that feels wild and dangerous, not just strong. The action usually seems threatening to people, animals, or property.

常見錯誤

❌The baby cried ferociously all afternoon.
✅The baby cried loudly all afternoon.
💡ferociously suggests violent or threatening force, not simple loudness.

2. with extreme energy, pressure, or determination that is hard to ignore or resist

2.副詞C1
釋義

with extreme energy, pressure, or determination that is hard to ignore or resist

例句

Christopher defended his younger sister ferociously during the school meeting.

ferociously showing fierce determination, not physical attack

The teams competed ferociously for the last spot in the final.

collocation: compete ferociously

同義詞
  • fiercely

    the most common choice for competition, defence, or determined resistance

  • intensely

    focuses on strength or depth, without the aggressive tone

  • passionately

    stresses strong feeling or commitment more than aggression

反義詞
  • mildly

    describes a weak or moderate reaction

  • half-heartedly

    describes effort without strong energy or commitment

用法筆記

This sense often appears with verbs like compete, defend, oppose, work, or train when someone shows fierce energy or resolve. Unlike sense 1, it does not have to involve direct violence or physical harm.

常見錯誤

❌I ferociously like this song.
✅I really like this song.
💡ferociously describes intense action, effort, or resistance, not ordinary enjoyment.