Ardent
Etymology
First attested circa 14th century, Middle English ardaunt, from Old French ardant, from Latin ardentem, nominative of ardens, present participle of ardere, "to burn."
Adjective
positive ardent
comparative more ardent
superlative most ardent
full of ardor; fervent, passionate
burning; glowing; shining
Quotations
1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 43
This ardent exploration, absorbing all his energy and interest, made him forget for the moment the mystery of his heritage and the anomaly that cut him off from all his fellows
In Play: Roger Thatte always agreed with whatever his wife said. When he and his wife got into a fender-bender in a parking lot with Ron's son Flint and his wife, a heated discussion arose as to which party had the greater damages. At his wife''s urging Roger ardently pressed their case, claiming that "Our dent is larger than yours!"ardent
c.1374, from O.Fr. ardant, from L. ardentem (nom. ardens), prp. of ardere "to burn," from PIE base *as- "to burn, glow" (cf. Skt. asah "ashes, dust," Arm. azazem "I dry up," Gk. azein "to dry up, parch," Goth. azgo, O.E. æsce "ashes," L. ardus "parched, dry").
The fig. sense (of passions, desire, etc.) was earliest in Eng.; literal sense of "burning, parching" (c.1440) remains rare. Ardent spirits (1471) "strong alcoholic liquor" so called because they are inflammable, but the term now, if used at all, probably is felt in the fig. sense.
OK, three puns in one In Play is four too many for most of you. I'll go now.
