The spelling "ferocious" is pronounced /fəˈroʊʃəs/. The first syllable is unstressed, hence the schwa sound /ə/. The second syllable is stressed, with the vowel sound /oʊ/ pronounced as in "go". The third syllable begins with the letter "s" but is pronounced as the ending "sh" sound /ʃ/. The fourth syllable contains the vowel sound /ə/ again and the final letter "s" is pronounced as the "s" sound /s/. Overall, the spelling matches the pronunciation of the word.
Ferocious is an adjective that describes something or someone exhibiting a high degree of savagery, aggression, or intense fierceness. It is commonly used to describe animals or individuals who display extreme physical strength, intensity, or a wild and violent nature.
When applied to animals, ferocious typically refers to those that are known for their predatory instincts, such as lions, tigers, or sharks. It suggests an untamed nature and a willingness to attack or defend themselves with great force. In describing humans, ferocious can be used metaphorically to convey their fierce determination, passionate temperament, or ruthless behavior. This might apply to athletes displaying immense drive and competitiveness, or to individuals who exhibit an unwavering resolve or aggression in pursuing their goals.
The word ferocious carries connotations of danger, violence, and an intimidating presence. It implies a lack of restraint or inhibition, often associated with intense emotions, such as anger or hunger. In literature, the word may be employed to create tension or evoke fear in describing a character or situation. It can also be used to emphasize the potency or forcefulness of a physical event, such as a storm or natural disaster.
Overall, ferocious encapsulates the notion of a powerful, fearsome, and untamable force, whether it be a living being, an emotional state, or a circumstance.
Savage; fierce; wild; ravenous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word ferocious originated from the Latin word ferox, which means fierce or savage. It is derived from the Latin verb ferire, meaning to be fierce or to rage.