Ravenous - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

"Ravenous" means extremely hungry or intensely eager for something. 😮 It's more than just a mild appetite; it's a powerful, urgent need to eat. Imagine coming home after a long day of sports practice – you're ravenous. It's like your stomach is growling and you can't think of anything but food. It suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable hunger. It's a step above simply being hungry; it's a desperate need to satisfy your appetite.

Etymology

"Ravenous" comes from the Old French word "ravineux," which means 'rapacious' or 'plundering.' It's derived from the Latin word "rapina," meaning 'plunder' or 'pillage.' The word's etymology connects it to the idea of seizing or taking by force. Over time, the meaning shifted to focus on intense hunger. The term conveys the idea of a hunger that demands to be satisfied.

Related Words

Examples

  • "After hiking all day, they were ravenous and devoured the sandwiches."
  • "The ravenous wolves hunted in the snowy forest."
  • "She had a ravenous appetite for knowledge and read every book she could find."
  • "The castaways were ravenous after weeks at sea."

Anecdote / Story

Remember that scene in *Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers* when Gollum is obsessed with the fish? 🐟 His ravenous hunger drives him to risk everything to get it. He's completely consumed by his desire for food. His behavior highlights the intensity of ravenous hunger. It shows how a basic need can become an all-consuming obsession. It's a powerful portrayal of the lengths someone will go to when driven by hunger.

Encouragement

Use "ravenous" to describe intense hunger or a strong desire for something. 👍 It's a great way to add emphasis to your descriptions. Remember, it's more than just being a little hungry! 🍔 Understanding this word will help you express yourself more vividly. So, go ahead and use it!

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