English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
a chemical process by which substances like sugar are converted into alcohol or acids using microorganisms
"The fermentation of grapes produces wine."
a place or greenhouse where ferns are cultivated
"The garden's fernery was full of exotic plants."
savagely fierce, intense, or violent
"The tiger gave a ferocious roar."
the state or quality of being ferocious; fierceness
"The ferocity of the storm caused widespread damage."
a small domesticated animal used for hunting; to search or uncover something persistently
"He ferreted out the hidden documents."
containing or consisting of iron
"Ferrous metals are commonly used in construction."
to transport by boat; to carry back and forth
"The boat ferried passengers across the river."
a boat that carries passengers and vehicles across water
"We took the ferry-boat to cross the river."
capable of producing abundant vegetation or offspring
"The fertile soil yielded a bountiful harvest."
the ability to conceive children or young; the quality of being fertile
"Modern medicine has helped many couples overcome fertility problems."
The process of adding nutrients to soil to increase crop productivity.
"Organic fertilization enhances soil health."
to make soil or land more fertile by adding substances
"Farmers fertilize the fields to increase crop yield."
a substance added to soil to make plants grow more successfully
"Farmers use fertilizer to increase crop production."
having or showing intense passion or enthusiasm
"She gave a fervent speech about climate change."
with passionate intensity; ardently; with great emotion or enthusiasm
"She fervently hoped that her dreams would come true."
intensely passionate or enthusiastic
"He wrote a fervid letter expressing his love."
intense and passionate feeling
"She spoke with great fervor about the importance of education."
relating to a festival or celebration
"The hall was decorated in a festal manner for the wedding."
to become worse or more intense, often through neglect or infection
"If grievances are ignored, they may fester into resentment."
a day or period of celebration, often for cultural or religious reasons
"The city was decorated with lights for the annual music festival."
joyful, celebratory, or suitable for a festival
"The streets were decorated with lights in a festive spirit."
a celebration or festival, often in honor of someone
"The village held a grand fete to celebrate the harvest."
an object believed to have magical powers or to be inhabited by a spirit
"The villagers treated the statue as a powerful fetich."
having a strong, unpleasant smell
"The fetid smell from the garbage was unbearable."
an excessive or irrational devotion to something
"He has a fetish for collecting rare stamps."
to restrain or restrict someone’s freedom
"The strict rules fettered the creativity of the students."
an unborn or unhatched offspring in the womb or egg
"The doctor explained the development of the fetus during pregnancy."
a prolonged and bitter quarrel or conflict, often between families or groups
"The two families have been in a feud for generations."
relating to the system of feudalism, a medieval social system based on land ownership and obligations
"The castle is a remnant of the feudal era."
the social system in medieval Europe in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and land in return
"Feudalism shaped the political structure of medieval Europe."
a medical condition in which the body temperature is higher than normal
"He couldn’t go to work because he had a high fever."
A small number of; not many.
"Only a few students attended the class."
a smaller number of; not as many
"Fewer people attended the meeting than expected."
a flat-topped conical red hat with a tassel, traditionally worn in some Middle Eastern countries
"He wore a traditional fez during the cultural festival."
a man who is engaged to be married
"Sarah introduced her fiance to her parents during the family dinner."
a woman who is engaged to be married
"John bought a beautiful engagement ring for his fiancee."
a complete failure, especially a ludicrous or humiliating one
"The event turned into a complete fiasco due to poor planning."
an official order or decree; authoritative command
"The new policy was enacted by royal fiat."
a thread or filament from which a textile is formed; dietary substance from plants that aids digestion
"Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber."
A thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed; dietary material that aids digestion.
"Eating foods rich in fibre can improve your digestion."
changing frequently in loyalty, interest, or affection
"She is so fickle that she changes her mind every hour."
Literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact.
"She enjoys reading science fiction novels."
not real or true; imaginary or fabricated
"The story he told was entirely fictitious."
faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief; loyalty
"Their fidelity to the team was admired by everyone."
to make small movements, especially because of nervousness or impatience
"The child began to fidget during the long lecture."
based on trust or confidence; serving as a standard of reference
"The fiducial point on the map ensures accurate measurements."
a person who holds assets in trust for someone else; related to trust and responsibility
"The lawyer acted as a fiduciary for his client’s estate."
an estate of land held under the feudal system; a domain or area of control
"The knight was granted a fief by the lord for his service."
an area of open land, often used for farming, sports, or scientific study
"The children played football in the field."
an evil spirit or demon; a wicked or cruel person; someone obsessed with a particular thing
"He is a real fiend when it comes to solving puzzles."