ferocious

词性:adj.
音标: [fəˈroʊʃəs]
释义: 凶猛的,极度的

Although we most often think of the word ferocious as referring to wild animals, it can also be used to describe anything characterized by an extremely high level of energy or even violence. For example, you might endure ferocious winds during a hurricane and fans at a soccer match often display a ferocious devotion to their team.


We’re dinosaurs. We’re ferocious.


He is ferocious!

@Chatbot 你是一个英语教学的大师,你会用通俗易懂的方式给学生讲解各类英语知识,现在请你给我解释下上面帖子中我着重讲解的单词,介绍下这些单词在正式文书和口语中的各类含义,各举几个地道,自然的例子。介绍下这些单词的来历,以及我如何才能记住这些单词呢?

Sure, I’d be happy to explain the word “ferocious” in detail, including its use in formal writing and everyday speech, along with examples, origins, and memory tips.

Word Analysis: Ferocious

词性 (Part of Speech): 形容词 (adj.)
音标 (Pronunciation): [fəˈroʊʃəs]
释义 (Meaning): 凶猛的,极度的 (fierce, extremely intense or violent)

Meaning and Usage

The word “ferocious” can be used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe something extremely fierce, intense, or violent.

1. In Reference to Wild Animals:
When we describe animals as ferocious, we mean that they are aggressively wild and dangerous.

  • Example: “The lion let out a ferocious roar that echoed through the savannah.”
  • Example: “Sharks are often perceived as ferocious predators of the ocean.”

2. In Reference to Nature:
“Ferocious” can also describe extreme conditions caused by nature.

  • Example: “The ferocious storm battered the coastal town.”
  • Example: “Mountain climbers faced ferocious winds that made their ascent difficult.”

3. In Reference to Human Emotions or Actions:
People or their actions can be described as ferocious when they show extreme intensity or aggression.

  • Example: “She put up a ferocious fight to defend her beliefs.”
  • Example: “Fans showed ferocious support for their team during the match.”

Formal Writing:

In formal writing, “ferocious” is used to underscore the extreme nature of something, often in descriptive or emotive contexts.

  • Example: “The ferocious competition in the market has driven many small businesses to innovate rapidly.”

Everyday Speech:

In everyday speech, “ferocious” is used more casually to describe anything with a high level of intensity.

  • Example: “He’s a ferocious reader, going through several books a week.”
  • Example: “The argument got pretty ferocious before they finally calmed down.”

Origins

The word “ferocious” comes from the Latin word “ferox,” which means “fierce” or “wild.” The root “fer-” relates to wild animals or untamed nature, which is evident in the word’s current usage.

Memory Tips

To remember the word “ferocious,” think of the following associations:

  • Fierce Animals: Picture a lion or a tiger, known for their fierceness.
  • Ferocious Storm: Imagine a hurricane with extremely powerful winds.
  • Intensity: Think of a person showing intense passion or anger.

By linking the word to vivid images of extreme intensity and wild nature, you can easily recall its meaning.

Example Sentences

  • Formal:

    • “The ferocious debate over climate change policies continues to dominate the political arena.”
    • “Historians documented the ferocious battles that took place during the medieval period.”
  • Informal:

    • “My boss has a ferocious work ethic; he’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave.”
    • “We had such a ferocious laugh watching that comedy show last night.”

Related Media

  • Refer to fair use media clips showing the word in context, such as:
    • The quote from the TV show Dinosaurs: “We’re dinosaurs. We’re ferocious.”
    • Dialogue from a movie clip stating: “He is ferocious!”

I hope this explanation helps you understand and remember the word “ferocious” better!