fiercely

/ˈfɪəsli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɪrsli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfirs-lē/ (ame, mw)

fiercely — adverb

1. characterized by strong physical force, violent energy, or powerful emotion — se

1.副詞B2
釋義

characterized by strong physical force, violent energy, or powerful emotion — seen when animals attack, storms rage, or people argue or defend with great intensity.

例句

The two dogs fought fiercely over a bone in the backyard.

fought fiercely — verb + adverb collocation for physical conflict

Sana argued fiercely with her manager about the new policy that cut overtime pay.

argued fiercely with [person] about [topic]

同義詞
  • violently

    focuses on physical force and potential harm

  • ferociously

    suggests wild, animal-like aggression (stronger than 'fiercely')

  • vehemently

    formal register; focuses on passionate verbal expression

反義詞
  • gently

    opposite in both physical force and emotional intensity

  • mildly

    used for weak or restrained reactions

文法句型

fiercely + [verb of physical or verbal conflict]

用法筆記

Stronger than 'strongly' or 'forcefully' — suggests visible intensity or aggression that others can observe.

常見錯誤

❌He complained fiercely about the cold coffee.
✅He complained angrily about the cold coffee.
💡'fiercely' is too strong for minor annoyances; use it only when the intensity fits the situation.

2. to a very high degree — used to describe how strong a personal quality, belief,

2.副詞B2
釋義

to a very high degree — used to describe how strong a personal quality, belief, or feeling is, such as being fiercely independent, fiercely loyal, or fiercely competitive.

例句

Gabriela is fiercely independent and refuses to ask for help even when she needs it.

fiercely independent — adjective of personal character intensified

The village is fiercely proud of its traditional food and local music festivals.

fiercely proud of [something]

同義詞
  • extremely

    neutral and widely used with most adjectives

  • intensely

    suggests strong emotion or deep concentration

  • profoundly

    formal; used for deep, meaningful states

反義詞
  • slightly

    opposite in degree — a small amount

  • mildly

    weak intensity, opposite of strong feeling

文法句型

fiercely + [adjective of personal quality]

fiercely + [past participle]

用法筆記

Only used with adjectives and participles that describe strong beliefs, loyalties, or personal qualities. NOT used with everyday physical descriptions (*fiercely tall, *fiercely cold).

常見錯誤

❌The soup was fiercely hot.
✅The soup was extremely / very hot.
💡'fiercely' does not intensify ordinary adjectives describing physical sensations or measurements.