vehemently
/ˈviːəməntli/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈiəməntli] /ˈviːəməntli/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈiəməntli] /ˈvē-ə-mənt How to pronounce vehement (audio)/ (ame, mw)
vehemently — adverb
1. Done or said with very strong, often angry feelings and a noticeable amount of e
Done or said with very strong, often angry feelings and a noticeable amount of energy — for example, denying an accusation loudly or refusing something without hesitation.
Haruto vehemently denied taking the money from the office safe.
vehemently denied — common with deny / deny + gerund
The senator argued vehemently against the proposed tax increase.
Reema shook her head vehemently when the officer suggested she was lying.
Dahlia defended her research findings vehemently during the academic conference.
The Green Valley community opposed the factory plan vehemently after learning about the cancer-causing chemicals.
- forcefully
emphasises physical or rhetorical strength rather than emotion
- passionately
focuses on emotional commitment more than energy or anger
- fiercely
carries a sense of aggressive determination, often in defence
- intensely
highlights the depth of feeling rather than the outward show
- mildly
opposite in both strength and emotion
- half-heartedly
opposite in energy and conviction
文法句型
vehemently + verb of opposition/expression
用法筆記
Typically modifies verbs of speaking or expressing an opinion — argue, deny, oppose, protest, defend, reject, object. Rarely used with verbs of liking or preferring.
常見錯誤
vehemently — adjective
- vehementlypositive
- more vehementlycomparative
- most vehementlysuperlative
1. Done with great physical or rhetorical energy and visible determination — the em
Done with great physical or rhetorical energy and visible determination — the emphasis is on the force behind the action (such as a strong attack or a determined effort), not on the speaker's emotional state, certainty of expression, or personal hostility toward a target.
Femi launched a vehement attack on the company's environmental record.
vehement attack — collocation with attack
Isabela led a vehement protest against the plan to close the local children's hospital.
vehement protest — collocation with protest
The fishing community expressed vehement opposition to the dam project that threatened their livelihood.
The lawyer's closing argument was so vehement that the jury sat in complete silence.
- feeble
opposite in strength
- half-hearted
opposite in determination
文法句型
vehement + noun
常見錯誤
2. Filled with deep feelings of love, anger, belief, or commitment — the focus is o
Filled with deep feelings of love, anger, belief, or commitment — the focus is on the emotional intensity itself (such as a heartfelt speech or a deeply held conviction), rather than on outward physical force, certainty of expression, or personal hostility.
Piotr gave a vehement speech about protecting the last remaining forests.
vehement speech — collocation with speech
Selim wrote a vehement letter to the editor expressing his anger about the new policy.
Ari's vehement belief in equality shaped every decision he made at work.
The union leader made a vehement appeal for fair wages during the strike.
- impassioned
almost identical in meaning; suggests deep feeling
- fervent
suggests warmth and sincerity, not necessarily anger
- ardent
implies passionate enthusiasm rather than opposition
- indifferent
opposite in emotional involvement
- apathetic
opposite in passion
文法句型
vehement + noun of expression
用法筆記
Describes emotions, beliefs, or expressions of feeling rather than physical force. Often used with nouns of communication: speech, letter, appeal, belief.
常見錯誤
3. Stated in a way that makes the speaker's position completely clear, with no doub
Stated in a way that makes the speaker's position completely clear, with no doubt, hesitation, or room for negotiation — for example, a firm refusal, a direct denial, or an outright rejection where the answer is final. Unlike the HOSTILE sense, there is no personal anger or bitterness involved.
The school board issued a vehement rejection of the proposed changes to the science curriculum.
vehement rejection — collocation with rejection
Eri's vehement refusal to sign the document surprised the whole team.
Benjamin issued a vehement denial when reporters asked about the rumour.
Karim made a vehement declaration that he would not accept any compromise on safety standards.
- emphatic
focuses on the clarity and forcefulness of expression
- forceful
broader meaning; can describe any kind of strength
- unequivocal
stresses leaving no doubt, but is more formal
文法句型
vehement + noun of refusal/rejection
用法筆記
Focuses on the speaker's certainty and directness, not on emotional hostility. The key is that the position is stated with no hedging or qualification. Common with nouns of refusal (rejection, refusal, denial, dismissal). For expressions that carry personal anger or bitter antagonism, see the HOSTILE sense (sense 4).
常見錯誤
4. Driven by bitter personal hostility or deep-seated anger directed at a specific
Driven by bitter personal hostility or deep-seated anger directed at a specific person or group — the emotion goes beyond strong disagreement to include active antagonism, resentment, or a wish to attack, unlike the EMPHATIC sense which focuses only on clear and certain expression without personal anger.
The two candidates exchanged vehement criticism during the live debate.
vehement criticism — collocation with criticism
The plan faced vehement opposition from local residents who feared losing their park.
Newspapers expressed vehement hatred toward the dictator after the election.
The editorial board published a vehement condemnation of the government's decision.
- bitter
focuses on resentment and long-held anger
- hostile
suggests active opposition and unfriendliness
- antagonistic
implies a deliberate wish to oppose or provoke
- friendly
opposite in attitude
- supportive
opposite in intention
文法句型
vehement + noun of opposition
用法筆記
Stronger than the EMPHATIC sense (sense 3) — this sense carries personal antagonism, bitterness, or a wish to harm, not just clear expression. Typical nouns express direct hostility: hatred, criticism, condemnation, antagonism. If the speaker is merely stating a position with certainty but without personal anger, use sense 3 instead.