What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ardour
Example
She pursued her dreams with ardour and never gave up. [ardour: noun]
Example
His ardour for music was evident in the way he played the piano. [ardour: noun]
fervor
Example
The crowd cheered with fervor as their team scored a goal. [fervor: noun]
Example
Her fervor for justice led her to become a human rights activist. [fervor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fervor is more commonly used than ardour in everyday language, especially in American English. Fervor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ardour is less common and may be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ardour and fervor?
While ardour is generally considered more formal, fervor can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Both words can convey strong emotions and dedication, but ardour may be more suitable for formal writing or situations where a higher level of formality is required.