Vehemences

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being intense or passionate in emotion or expression
2. A state or condition marked by strong feelings or fervent actions
3. The characteristic of exhibiting great forcefulness or energy in speech or behavior

Etymology: "Vehemences" is simply the plural of "vehemence," so it refers to several instances or kinds of that forcefulness. The base noun came into Middle English as "vehemens" or "vemance," borrowed through Old French "vëemence" from Latin "vehementia," which meant eagerness or strength. The Latin root is "vehemens," an adjective meaning eager or vehement, and it is the source of the English adjective "vehement." Its earlier roots lie in Latin verbs of carrying and moving, which is why the idea of force and momentum runs through the family.

Synonyms: intensity, fervor

Antonyms: indifference, apathy