vehemence
C2Formal / Literary / Academic
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being intense, forceful, or passionate, especially in expression or emotion.
A state of powerful emotion or energy, often implying a lack of restraint in its expression. Can be applied to speech, writing, feelings, or actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Denotes a powerful, often overwhelming forcefulness. While passionate, it can carry connotations of aggression or lack of control depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. UK English may slightly favour the term in more formal literary criticism.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative, implying intensity that may border on harshness or lack of moderation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects; more common in written analysis than everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
with + vehemencethe vehemence of + NPvehemence + that-clause (less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with all the vehemence one can muster”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might describe a forceful rejection of a proposal.
Academic
Common in literary, historical, or political analysis to describe forceful expression.
Everyday
Very rare; 'passion' or 'intensity' preferred.
Technical
Uncommon outside of rhetorical or discourse analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She argued vehemently for the new policy.
American English
- He vehemently opposed the changes to the agreement.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His reply was full of emotion and vehemence.
- I was surprised by the vehemence of her reaction.
- The vehemence of the public's anger took the government by surprise.
- She defended her thesis with a vehemence that silenced her critics.
- The historical account is noted for its moral vehemence and vivid prose.
- His initial scepticism turned into vehement opposition as the details emerged.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VEHEMENCE sounds like 'VEHICLE' + 'MENACE'. Imagine a menacing vehicle approaching with great INTENSITY and FORCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION / SPEECH IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'The vehemence of his attack stunned the audience').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'ярость' (rage/fury), which is narrower. 'Vehemence' is more about the force of expression than the specific emotion. Consider 'напряжённость', 'страстность', 'пыл'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect stress: /vɛˈhiː.məns/.
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a vehemence').
- Confusing with 'violence' which implies physical harm.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'vehemence' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, particularly when describing passionate advocacy for a just cause. However, it often suggests a lack of moderation, so context is key.
'Passion' is broader and more neutral, referring to strong emotion generally. 'Vehemence' specifically refers to the intense, often forceful *expression* of that emotion.
No, it is primarily a written, formal word. In speech, people are more likely to use 'intensity', 'forcefulness', or 'passion'.
The adjective is 'vehement' (/ˈviː.ɪ.mənt/ or /ˈviː.ə.mənt/), as in 'a vehement protest'.
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