French Conversation · Level 51
75 words
French word
féroce
Pronunciation
IPA/feʁɔs/
Meaning
- adjectivefierce
Example
Le chien est féroce.
The dog is fierce.
More examples
Son regard féroce a convaincu l'intrus de partir.
His fierce gaze convinced the intruder to leave.
Core concept
A wild, forceful intensity that turns strength into a threat of injury, domination, or destruction.
Common phrases
regard féroce
fierce gaze
animal féroce
ferocious animal
Similar words
sauvage: Having an untamed, instinctive nature and acting with wild intensity.
agressif: Displaying a strong tendency to attack or intimidate others.
violent: Extremely forceful, often causing physical damage or injury.
brutal: Rough and heartless, causing suffering or harm through its actions.
Definition in French
Qui est d'une violence ou d'une férocité marquée, exprimant une force brutale, une cruauté ou un danger prononcé.
Word origin
The modern form developed from Latin ferox, ferocis through Old French, retaining the older sense of wild, fierce force.
Usage tips
- In une concurrence féroce, féroce describes extreme competition rather than literal animal violence and gives the phrase a strongly forceful tone.