Vehemence is intense force or passion in expressing feelings or beliefs. When someone speaks with vehemence, they forcefully and powerfully make their point with deep emotion behind it, showing the strength of their conviction through their voice and words.

Imagine a student who discovers their science fair project was accidentally thrown away. They might protest with vehemence, their voice urgent and their words passionate as they explain how many hours they spent building it. Or picture a lawyer arguing vehemently for her client's innocence, speaking with such intensity that everyone in the courtroom feels the strength of her conviction.

The word suggests more than simple enthusiasm. Vehemence carries weight: it's the difference between saying “I don't think that's right” and declaring “That is absolutely wrong, and here's why!” with fire in your voice. Someone might argue vehemently against an unfair rule, or defend a friend vehemently when others criticize them unfairly.

Vehement is the adjective form: a vehement denial, a vehement supporter, a vehement defense. When you feel something deeply and express it powerfully, that's vehemence.