fierce
fierce — adjective
1. A person, animal, or action that is fierce behaves in a violently angry way that
A person, animal, or action that is fierce behaves in a violently angry way that makes others feel afraid or threatened.
The guard dog looked so fierce that no one dared to enter the yard.
fierce + animal/guard dog for intimidating appearance
Defne's mother grew fierce whenever anyone spoke badly about her children.
fierce + person for protective anger
A fierce battle broke out between the two rival groups near the market.
Christopher backed away slowly when the fierce stray dog blocked the alley entrance.
The warrior let out a fierce cry before charging at his enemy.
- gentle
calm and kind, the opposite of fierce
用法筆記
Frequently used with animals (fierce dog, fierce tiger) or a person's expression (fierce look). The intensity is stronger than angry — it suggests a willingness to attack or cause harm.
常見錯誤
2. Used to describe natural forces such as wind, storms, heat, or waves that are ex
Used to describe natural forces such as wind, storms, heat, or waves that are extremely strong and likely to cause harm or damage.
A fierce storm hit the coast last night, knocking down trees and power lines.
fierce + storm for damaging natural force
The fierce heat of the desert sun made it impossible to travel during the day.
Owen struggled to stay on his feet against the fierce wind on the mountain path.
Fierce waves crashed against the pier during the typhoon warning.
The fierce current swept the swimmer far from the shore in minutes.
- mild
gentle and not strong, opposite of fierce weather
用法筆記
Commonly paired with weather nouns: fierce storm, fierce wind, fierce heat. This sense does NOT describe people or animals — it is reserved for natural phenomena.
常見錯誤
3. Showing or produced by extremely strong feelings, opinions, or determined effort
Showing or produced by extremely strong feelings, opinions, or determined effort — for example, a fierce argument between colleagues, fierce loyalty to a sports team, or fierce competition for a prize.
The two companies are locked in a fierce competition to win the contract.
fierce competition for rivalry
Ramón showed fierce determination as he trained every day for the marathon.
fierce determination for strong inner drive
Tendai has a fierce sense of loyalty to her childhood friends, no matter what.
Stefan faced fierce opposition from the board when he proposed the new policy.
The fierce loyalty of the fans kept the small theatre open for decades.
- intense
covers the same range but more neutral — less angry or aggressive in tone
- vehement
formal; suggests forceful expression of strong disagreement
- passionate
positive; implies warmth and enthusiasm rather than anger
- mild
calm and moderate; opposite of fierce feelings
- half-hearted
without real effort or enthusiasm
用法筆記
This sense often appears with abstract nouns describing emotions or effort: fierce loyalty, fierce determination, fierce debate, fierce pride. Unlike sense 1, there is no physical threat — the intensity is emotional or competitive.
常見錯誤
4. Extremely unpleasant, difficult, or painful to go through, often because the sit
Extremely unpleasant, difficult, or painful to go through, often because the situation requires a great deal of effort or endurance.
The refugees faced a fierce struggle to survive the winter without shelter.
fierce struggle for an extremely difficult challenge
Yumi had to endure fierce criticism from the judges after her performance.
Soraya felt a fierce pain in her shoulder after lifting the heavy box.
The villagers put up a fierce fight against the company that wanted to take their land.
Hassan endured fierce headaches for weeks before he finally saw a doctor.
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (physical force) or sense 3 (emotional intensity), this sense describes the subjective experience of difficulty or pain — the situation is hard on the person going through it.
常見錯誤
5. Bold, confident, and stylish — used especially to describe a person whose appear
Bold, confident, and stylish — used especially to describe a person whose appearance or attitude draws notice and admiration.
Iris walked into the party wearing a fierce red dress and matching heels.
fierce + outfit/fashion for bold, confident style
The model's fierce expression on the cover made the magazine stand out on the shelf.
Liang gave the camera a fierce look that showed he was ready for the competition.
Kasia wore fierce winged eyeliner that made her look like a rock star.
The dancer's fierce moves brought the audience to their feet.
用法筆記
This is a relatively recent informal use, common in fashion magazines, social media, and pop culture. Unlike other senses, there is no anger or threat — the meaning is closer to 'fabulous' or 'confident.' Avoid using this sense in formal or academic writing.