Each day, we introduce a new word, its meaning, origin, and some example sentences to help you understand and use it with confidence. Ready to learn something new today? Let’s dive in! Today's word is Voracious.
Meaning
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The word 'voracious' refers to an eager or insatiable appetite or desire. It is often used to describe someone who consumes large amounts of something, such as food or information, or has a strong, unquenchable need for something. It can also describe behavior that is excessive or done with great enthusiasm.
Pronunciation
vuh·ray·shuhs
Examples
- He had a voracious appetite, finishing three plates of food in no time.
- She has a voracious desire for knowledge, always reading multiple books at once.
Origin
The word 'voracious' comes from the Latin verb 'vorare,' which means 'to devour' or 'to eat greedily.'
History
The term began to be used in English in the 1600s. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond just describing the act of eating to describe any overwhelming or eager desire for something, such as knowledge, attention, or power.
Modern usage
In modern contexts, 'voracious' is commonly used in the following ways:
- Reading or learning: A 'voracious reader' refers to someone who reads a large amount of material in a short time.
- Food: A person with a large appetite might be described as having 'voracious hunger.'
- Hobbies and interests: Someone with a deep passion for a hobby or activity may be described as having a 'voracious interest' in it.
The word evokes a sense of something being consumed quickly or with great intensity, often beyond the normal or expected amount.
Examples from literature
"The only human trace left by that voracious blast was a glove belonging to Patricia Brown in an automobile smothered in wild pansies." — One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
"But at eighty, she has a voracious, knowing look." — Atonement by Ian McEwan
Synonyms
- Ravenous
- Starving
- Insatiable
- Gluttonous
- Hungry
- Greedy
- Unquenchable
- Unrelenting
- Devouring
- Fervent
That's all for today's 'word of the day.' Hope you found this article informative. Stay connected for more!
Published: 05 Jan 2025, 07:00 am IST
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