Furious

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfjʊə.ri.əs/ (UK), /ˈfjʊr.i.əs/ (US)

Definitions

• Furious (adjective): Extremely angry; full of rage or fury. Describes a state of intense and uncontrolled anger.
• Furious (adjective): Done with great force, intensity, or speed. Often used to describe actions performed with great energy or violence.
• Furious (adjective): In a state of active agitation or tumult, often related to storms, winds, or other natural phenomena.

Usage Examples

• She was furious when she found out about the mistake, her face turning bright red with anger.
• The wind howled furiously, shaking the windows and rattling the trees.
• He drove furiously through the streets, trying to make it to the hospital in time.

Etymology

The word "furious" comes from the Latin furiosus, meaning "full of rage" or "out of one's mind." This Latin word is derived from furia, meaning "rage" or "fury." The term entered English in the late 14th century, initially describing violent or intense emotional states.

Synonyms

• Angry
• Enraged
• Furious
• Irate
• Infuriated
• Incensed
• Wrathful
• Outraged

Antonyms

• Calm
• Peaceful
• Composed
• Serene
• Tranquil
• Content
• Relaxed

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word is often pronounced with a hard "r," sounding like "fyur-ree-us."
• In British English, the pronunciation is softer, with a more subtle "r," pronounced like "fyoo-ree-us."
• In Australian English, it tends to be pronounced similarly to the British version, but with a faster flow of speech.

Historical Usage

The term "furious" has been in use in the English language since the 14th century, largely in reference to extreme anger or rage. Its origins lie in classical Latin, where it described a state of intense emotional disturbance. The word became synonymous with an intense or forceful action, as seen in its use in literary works to describe passionate characters or actions. Over the centuries, its meaning has remained relatively unchanged, though it has expanded in modern times to describe anything done with great force or intensity.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, fury is associated with both negative and positive connotations. In a negative sense, it often represents uncontrolled anger, leading to destructive actions. In literature and film, a "furious" character is often portrayed as being dangerously out of control. However, "furious" can also imply a powerful drive or intense emotion in creative works, often seen in music, art, and literature to convey energy and passion.

More Information

The word "furious" has become ingrained in everyday language and culture, often used to describe both the internal emotional state of a person and external events that are intense or violent. It continues to be a powerful descriptor, used not only to convey anger but also the speed, force, and energy behind a movement or action. The term remains especially prevalent in the fields of literature, music, and film, where it is used to express heightened emotional states and drama.