What does vehemence mean?
Vehemence denotes the force, urgency, and emotional intensity with which people act or speak. It is especially associated with angry denunciations, heated disputes, and impassioned appeals, but it can also describe forceful movement or action. In a sentence such as “he denied the charge with considerable vehemence,” the word indicates not merely that the denial was emphatic, but that it was delivered with intensity and perhaps anger. Vehemence is more specific than simple force because it commonly carries an emotional or rhetorical dimension. Unlike violence, it need not involve physical aggression. The word has a formal, occasionally literary tone and is more likely to appear in reporting, literary analysis, or elevated prose than in casual conversation. It is understood similarly in British and American English.
nounForceful or violent energy in actions, speech, or feelings. It often describes an emphatic, impassioned, or angry outburst.
- Forceful or violent energy displayed in action, movement, or expression.
- Intense feeling, especially anger, outrage, or moral indignation.
"The accusation was rejected with such vehemence that the room fell silent."
"She answered the criticism with considerable vehemence."
"The vehemence of the crowd subsided as the speaker appealed for calm."
Vehemence is normally treated as an abstract noun used in the singular; the plural is uncommon.
"Such vehemences are usually confined to rhetoric rather than physical action."
Vehemence comes from a Latin word meaning “violent” or “impetuous,” making it the noun for the force behind an impassioned outburst.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vehemence come from?
The word entered English from French véhémence and Latin vehementia, both based on the Latin adjective vehemens, meaning “violent” or “impetuous.” That adjective is commonly traced to the same Latin root associated with vehere, “to drive” or “carry,” which also underlies words such as vehicle and velocity.
Related word forms
How vehemence is actually used
A formal or literary word commonly used for angry denunciations, heated arguments, and forceful reactions. It does not necessarily imply physical harm.
Easily confused with vehemence
Vehemence is the noun for violent force or emotional intensity, whereas vehement is the adjective meaning forceful or impassioned.