ardour

UK: /ˈɑː^rdə^r/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

ardour, ardor / ˈɑːdə/ noun

1. feelings of great intensity and warmth; fervour
2. eagerness; zeal

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French ardour, from Latin ārdor, from ārdēre to burn

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ar•dor /ˈɑrdɚ/   n. [uncountable]

1. great warmth of feeling;
   fervor:
   revolutionary ardor.
2. zeal;
   enthusiasm:
   approached the task with ardor.

Also, esp. Brit., ˈar•dour.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ar•dor  (är′dər), n. 

1. great warmth of feeling;
   fervor;
   passion:
   She spoke persuasively and with ardor.
2. intense devotion, eagerness, or enthusiasm;
   zeal:
   his well-known ardor for Chinese art.
3. burning heat.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] ar′dour. 

• Latin, as above
• Anglo-French
• Latin, as above; 17th century ardour
• Old French ardur
• Latin, equivalent. to ārd(ēre) to burn + -or -or¹; replacing Middle English ardure
• Middle English 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 1. fervency, spirit, earnestness, intensity.