Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ardent \Ar"dent\, a. [OE. ardaunt, F. ardant, p. pr. of arder to
   burn, fr. L. ardere.]
   1. Hot or burning; causing a sensation of burning; fiery; as,
      ardent spirits, that is, distilled liquors; an ardent
      fever.

   2. Having the appearance or quality of fire; fierce; glowing;
      shining; as, ardent eyes. --Dryden.

   3. Warm, applied to the passions and affections; passionate;
      fervent; zealous; vehement; as, ardent love, feelings,
      zeal, hope, temper.

            An ardent and impetuous race.         --Macaulay.

   Syn: Burning; hot; fiery; glowing; intense; fierce; vehement;
        eager; zealous; keen; fervid; fervent; passionate;
        affectionate.

Source : WordNet®

ardent
     adj 1: characterized by intense emotion; "ardent love"; "an ardent
            lover"; "a burning enthusiasm"; "a fervent desire to
            change society"; "a fervent admirer"; "fiery oratory";
            "an impassioned appeal"; "a torrid love affair" [syn:
            {burning(a)}, {fervent}, {fervid}, {fiery}, {impassioned},
             {perfervid}, {torrid}]
     2: characterized by strong enthusiasm; "ardent
        revolutionaries"; "warm support" [syn: {warm}]
     3: glowing or shining like fire; "from rank to rank she darts
        her ardent eyes"- Alexander Pope; "frightened by his
        ardent burning eyes"