furore
C1Formal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
An outbreak of public excitement or anger; a widespread commotion or uproar.
A state of intense public interest, debate, or controversy, often fueled by media, over a specific issue, event, or piece of art.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always implies a public or widespread reaction, not a private one. Carries a connotation of being sudden, intense, and often temporary. While often negative (anger), it can also describe intense excitement or admiration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'furore' (UK spelling) is far more common in British English. The American English equivalent is almost always 'furor' (spelling).
Connotations
Slightly more literary/newspaper-style in UK English. In US English, 'furor' is the standard form and is used in formal news contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in UK news media; medium-to-low in US, where 'furor' is used. 'Uproar', 'outcry', or 'controversy' are more common everyday synonyms in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] caused a furore over [issue]A furore erupted following [event]There was a furore about/over [topic]The decision provoked a furore among [group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All hell broke loose (related in meaning)”
- “A storm in a teacup (for a minor furore)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in PR/crisis management contexts: 'The CEO's comments caused a furore on social media, forcing a swift apology.'
Academic
Used in historical/political/social analysis: 'The publication of the pamphlet created a furore in intellectual circles.'
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Typically encountered in news headlines or summaries: 'Did you see the furore about the new tax plan?'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Furore' is exclusively a noun.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Furor' is exclusively a noun.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The new law caused a big argument in the newspapers.
- The politician's offensive tweet sparked a furore, with many people demanding her resignation.
- The exhibition's provocative themes ignited a national furore, dominating editorial pages and talk shows for weeks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a furious ROAR from the public – FU-ROAR-E. The spelling has an 'e' at the end like in UK English 'theatre'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC REACTION IS A NATURAL FORCE (storm, fire, wave).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'фурор' (в смысле успеха, триумфа). Русское 'произвести фурор' соответствует английскому 'to be a sensation/success'. Английское 'furore' — это скорее 'буря, яростные споры, скандал'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe a personal tantrum (incorrect: 'The child caused a furore in the shop').
- Confusing it with 'furor' (US spelling) and misspelling.
- Using it to mean a positive sensation (e.g., 'The singer's performance created a furore' is ambiguous and more likely negative).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'furore' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically negative, implying public anger or outrage. However, it can describe intense excitement or debate, which may be neutral or context-dependent. The key is the scale and intensity of the public reaction.
'Furore' suggests a louder, more emotionally charged, and often more sudden public reaction. 'Controversy' can be a longer, more reasoned debate or disagreement, possibly among experts, without the same level of public clamour.
Use 'furor' (without the final 'e'). This is the standard American English spelling.
No. 'Furore' (UK) / 'furor' (US) is only a noun. You cannot say 'to furore'. Associated verbs are 'cause', 'create', 'spark', 'provoke', 'ignite'.