ferment
/fəˈment/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
a chemical or natural process in which sugar changes into alcohol, acid, or gas. It is often caused by yeast or bacteria.
- Ferment helps make bread and yogurt.
- The juice began to ferment in the warm room.
- 2.
a state of strong activity, excitement, or trouble in a group, place, or society.
- The city was in ferment after the election.
- Rumours caused ferment among the students.
verb
- 1.
to undergo fermentation, or to make a liquid or food change in this way.
- The grapes ferment for several weeks.
- Leave the mixture to ferment overnight.
- 2.
to cause feelings or ideas to become stronger and more active, often in a bad way.
- The speech fermented anger in the crowd.
- Old resentments began to ferment again.
Adinary Nuance
Ferment is closer to move, stir, or simmer when it means unrest, but it sounds more literary and formal. It is stronger and more process-focused than buzz or activity. In science or food, it is the word for a real change caused by yeast or bacteria.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lên men
- Spanish
- fermentar
- Chinese
- 发酵
- Japanese
- 発酵する
- Korean
- 발효하다
Etymology
From Latin fermentare, meaning “to leaven” or “to cause to rise.” It entered English through Old French in the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
in fermentferment a mixtureferment for dayssocial ferment
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is ferment a formal word?
- Yes, it is fairly formal, especially for writing and news reports.
- What is the difference between ferment and fermenting?
- Ferment is the base form. Fermenting is the continuous form, used for an ongoing process.
- Can ferment mean trouble or unrest?
- Yes. It can describe strong social or emotional activity, often with tension.
- Is ferment used in cooking?
- Yes. It is common when talking about food, drinks, and home fermentation.