热烈 (rè liè) is an adjective meaning 'enthusiastic,' 'warm,' or 'fervent.' It combines 热 (rè, 'hot' or 'warm') and 烈 (liè, 'intense,' 'fiery,' or 'strong'), together evoking strong, positive emotional energy—like heat and intensity fused into spirited support or excitement. Unlike 热 (rè) alone, which can refer to physical temperature or casual interest, 热烈 always describes heightened, collective, or socially expressed emotion.

This word commonly modifies nouns such as 欢迎 (welcome), 鼓掌 (applause), 讨论 (discussion), or 反应 (reaction), and appears frequently in formal speeches, news reports, and public events. It carries a positive, uplifting connotation and is rarely used for individuals alone—it usually implies shared, outwardly visible enthusiasm, like a crowd’s applause or a community’s unified support.