Words / C2

VEE-uh-m-uh-nt/ˈviːəmənt/

Vehement means forcefully passionate, often angry: vehement denial, vehemently opposed. Strong is everyday; violent is physical harm — a serious mix-up. Vehemence is the noun. Do not call a mild preference vehement.

Meaning

Showing strong, often angry, feeling.

Examples

• “She was vehement that the date had never been agreed.”
• “She was vehement that no date had been agreed, and the inbox backed her.”
• “A vehement protest is intense speech; a violent one is a different, legal problem.”

Good to know

Forcefully passionate. Adverb: vehemently. Noun: vehemence. Mix-up: violent (physical). Everyday: strong. Not a mild dislike.

Near in meaning

passionate

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