early 14c., of alcoholic distillates, brandy (ardent spirits), etc., from Old French ardant (13c.) "burning, hot; zealous," from Latin ardentem (nominative ardens) "glowing, fiery, hot, ablaze," also used figuratively of passions, present participle of ardere "to burn," from PIE root *as- "to burn, glow" from PIE root *as- "to burn, glow" (cognates: Old English ?sce "ashes;" see ash (n.1)).
Ardent spirits (late 15c.) so called because they are inflammable, but the term now, if used at all, probably is felt in the figurative sense. The figurative sense (of "burning with" passions, desire, etc.) is from late 14c.; literal sense of "burning, parching" (c. 1400) remains rare. Related: Ardently.
例文
1. He 's been one of the most ardent supporters of the administration 's policy.
彼はいつも政府政策の最も情熱的な支持者の一人である。
2.He was a poet and an ardent spiritualist.
詩人であり、忠実な招魂論者でもある。
3.Some ardent supporters were urging him to stand.