Vehemens

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Invalid
2. Marked by passionate intensity or forcefulness ; arising from strong and fervent emotion ; demonstrating energetic and impassioned action or expression
3. Exhibiting deep-seated vigor and ardor ; generated by powerful and earnest feeling ; characterized by dynamic and animated conduct or utterance

Etymology: "Vehemens" is traditionally analyzed as "ve-," meaning "away from" or "without," plus "mens," "mind." On that reading, a vehement person was once someone who had lost their reason. The breakdown is likely rather than certain, because the prefix's exact origin is debated. Over time the sense moved from lacking reason toward force and intensity. Latin speakers used the adjective for things that were violent or impetuous, and that forceful, strongly felt quality is what the English "vehement" carries today.

Synonyms: vehement, fervent, passionate, intense, forceful

Antonyms: calm, mild, gentle, apathetic, indifferent