vehemence

5 8.4

A very strong feeling shown in speech or action

noun
/ˈviːəməns/

Formal

: vehemencia

I confess that I was somewhat taken aback at the vehemence of his reply.
surprised by the vehemence

But to the the vehemence with which we're told we know what we're doing, this is the way to solve it.

Examples

During the debate, her vehemence convinced many audience members to change their stance.
Despite your vehemence, you have a soul anyone would be proud of.

A Quiet Passion (2016)
Second is the increased vehemence in the competition between neighboring ethnic groups for certain resources.

Academic text (1999)
Indeed, attacks on the Court historically have been as notable for their vehemence as for their frequency.

Academic text (1990)
Startled by his vehemence, the colonel could not think of what to say.

Fiction book (2002)
"No!" The Shienarans seemed surprised at the vehemence in Perrin's voice.

Fiction book (1991)
" Exhausted by her own vehemence, Allegra subsided into the chair.

Fiction book (1991)
However, Israel's establishment augmented the vehemence of contemporary Islamic anti-Semitism.

Academic text (2007)
The vehemence of his speech stirred emotions and rallied the crowd to support the cause.
She expressed her opinions with such vehemence that everyone in the room felt her passion.

Synonyms

passion

vsvehemence

595 2.5

A very strong feeling that makes someone act, like love or anger

is stronger and more forceful in emotional expression

heat

vsvehemence

Informal

247 5.1

A strong feeling during an argument

is broader and applies beyond moments of argument or excitement

intensity

vsvehemence

196 3.6

A strong degree of feeling, activity, or effort

adds emotional push and active force rather than just degree

ardor

vsvehemence

6 7.5

A strong feeling of love and excitement for someone or something

is more forceful and often includes strong anger or intensity

forcefulness

vsvehemence

2 5.1

A strong, clear, and confident quality in speech, action, or physical strength

is more emotionally charged rather than purely assertive

explosiveness

vsvehemence

1 6.3

A quick, strong reaction of anger or emotion

is intense but often sustained rather than only sudden reaction

tempestuousness

vsvehemence

1 9.9

A strong, stormy feeling that causes sudden emotional change

is forceful in intensity rather than marked by long emotional turbulence

ardency

vsvehemence

Literature

1 9.2

A strong feeling of passion or a sense of burning heat in writing

is more forceful, showing intense emotion or aggressive energy

intenseness

vsvehemence

1 5.6

A strong feeling, force, or attention in something

is more emotionally forceful and driven by strong feeling

passionateness

vsvehemence

Archaic

7.1

Strong feelings that make someone act with great energy and care

is more forceful and expresses stronger emotional energy

Antonyms

indifference

66 4.6

Lack of interest or concern about something

apathy

43 6.2

A lack of interest or care about things

How Forceful

fury

102 4.6

rage

433 3.4

vehemence

Formal

5 8.4

mildness

1 3.3

Surface Forms

vehemence singular

vehemences plural

Morphology

vehemence = vehement (transparent) = vehem + ence

Standard nominalization from the adjective 'vehement' with '-ence' yielding 'the state or quality of being vehement', a direct and regular derivation.

Etymology

The word vehemence comes from the Latin vehemens, which meant 'violent' or 'very strong', and from the root veh- meaning 'to carry', the same root you see in vehicle. So vehemence is like 'carrying' a strong feeling forward with force, which is why it means showing very strong feeling or force.