2 syllables: ar, dent. Stress on ar.
AHR-duhnt
/ˈɑɹdənt/
ardent is pronounced AHR-duhnt (/ˈɑɹdənt/). It has two syllables (ar-dent), with the stress on "ar". Ardent means having or showing very strong feelings, typically enthusiasm or passion. It describes a vigorous, wholehearted intensity in belief, support, or action. In use, it conveys fiery devotion, often with a positive, earnest connotation.
Ardent means having or showing very strong feelings, typically enthusiasm or passion. It describes a vigorous, wholehearted intensity in belief, support, or action. In use, it conveys fiery devotion, often with a positive, earnest connotation.
"She was an ardent supporter of environmental reform, attending every rally."
"His ardent curiosity led him to pursue the subject with relentless rigor."
"The team received ardent praise from fans after the championship win."
Ardent is pronounced with two syllables: AR-d(ə)nt. In IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈɑːr.dənt/ (US) and /ˈɑː.dənt/ (UK/AU). The first syllable has a low back/open vowel like 'spa' in many dialects, followed by a schwa-like mid vowel in the second syllable and a light 'nt' ending. Place the tongue low and retracted for /ɑː/, depress the jaw slightly, and let the 'r' be slightly rhotic in US-like speech. Keep the second syllable unstressed and ensure a crisp /nt/ closure to avoid a dragging 't' or over-syllabic vowel.
Common errors include: (1) Misplacing stress or making both syllables equally strong; AR-dent is two-syllable with primary stress on the first. (2) Overpronouncing the second vowel as a full /ə/; instead, keep it a quick, reduced schwa-like /ə/ or /ənt/ with a crisp final consonant. (3) Editing the final /t/ as a flap or silent; ensure a clear, alveolar stop release. Correct by practicing /ˈɑːr.dənt/ with a light, quick second syllable and final /t/ release.
In US English, /ˈɑɹ.dənt/ with rhotic /ɹ/ and a slightly longer /ɑː/ in the first syllable. In UK English, /ˈɑː.dənt/ often lacks rhoticity and features a more open /ɑː/ and less pronounced /ɹ/; the second syllable remains a schwa. In Australian English, /ˈɑː.dənt/, with an even flatter, more centralized /ə/ in the second syllable and a non-rhotic or weak rhotic depending on speaker, but often closer to US /ˈɑːˌdɛnt/. The key differences are rhoticity and vowel quality in the first syllable, plus the subtle duration of the second syllable.
The challenge lies in balancing the two-syllable rhythm with accurate vowel quality and voicing. The first syllable uses a tense, open back vowel /ɑː/ that can distort in rapid speech, while the second syllable features a reduced /ə/ that must stay short and not intrude on the final /nt/. Additionally, the final stop /t/ should be crisp rather than dentalized or merged with the preceding schwa. Practicing with a controlled tempo helps you anchor the stress on the first syllable and keep the vowels distinct.
A useful tip is to think AR-dent with a strong first vowel bite: open the mouth broader for /ɑː/ and pull the tongue slightly back, then relax into a quick, muted /ə/ for the second syllable. Visualize the word as AR-DENT, but pronounce the second syllable quickly and lightly, ensuring the final /nt/ is audible. Use minimal pairs like ‘ardent’ vs. ‘ardently’ to practice rhythm and ensure you don’t add extra vowel length.
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Ardent originates from the Latin ardens, ardent-, pr. of ardere “to burn, be on fire.” The root ard- conveys burning or glowing, which migrated into Old French as ardent and then Middle English, maintaining the sense of burning zeal rather than literal flame. In the 14th–15th centuries, ardent commonly described physical warmth or emotional heat, evolving into metaphorical intensity—intense enthusiasm, passion, or fervor. By early modern English, ardent spread to religious, political, and romantic contexts, often paired with nouns like love, devotion, or advocacy. The word’s semantic trajectory consistently centers on heat and intensity: a burning energy directed toward a belief, cause, or affection. First known use in English dates to the 14th century, with Latin and French precursors shaping its form and nuance over time.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "ardent" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "ardent"
-ent sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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