When someone is ravenous, it means they are very, very hungry.
Imagine you have not eaten all day, and your tummy feels empty. You want food so much!
A hungry animal, like a wolf, can be ravenous for its dinner.
It means you really, really want to eat.
When we describe someone or something as ravenous, we are emphasizing an intense and overwhelming hunger. This hunger isn't just a mild appetite; it suggests a fierce and almost desperate need for sustenance. Beyond food, ravenous can also portray an insatiable desire for other things, highlighting a strong, almost predatory craving. It implies a hunger so profound that it might drive one to seek out and consume whatever is desired with great eagerness and intensity.
§ Where you actually hear this word – work, school, news
The word 'ravenous' is a vivid adjective that paints a strong picture of extreme hunger or a powerful, insatiable desire. Because of its descriptive nature, you'll encounter 'ravenous' in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal news reports and academic discussions. Understanding these different environments will help you recognize and use the word effectively.
§ In Everyday Conversation and Social Settings
In informal settings, 'ravenous' is often used quite literally to describe intense hunger. Someone might exclaim, "I'm absolutely ravenous! I haven't eaten all day!" to convey just how hungry they are. It's a more emphatic way of saying "very hungry" and adds a touch of drama to the statement.
After hiking for hours, I was ravenous and devoured two plates of pasta.
Beyond physical hunger, you might hear 'ravenous' used metaphorically to describe a strong craving for something else. For instance, a student might talk about having a "ravenous appetite for knowledge" before an exam, or a sports fan might describe their "ravenous hunger for victory." This metaphorical use extends the word's meaning to any intense desire or eagerness.
§ In News and Journalism
Journalists often employ 'ravenous' to create impactful and descriptive language, particularly when reporting on humanitarian crises, economic trends, or social phenomena. It can add a sense of urgency and severity to their reports.
The news report highlighted the ravenous hunger plaguing the drought-stricken region.
In economic news, you might read about a "ravenous demand" for a particular product or a "ravenous appetite" from investors for new technologies. Here, 'ravenous' emphasizes a very strong, almost insatiable market force. Similarly, in social commentary, a journalist might write about society's "ravenous consumption" of resources or a public's "ravenous desire" for celebrity gossip.
§ In Literature and Academic Writing
Authors and academics use 'ravenous' to evoke strong imagery and provide nuanced descriptions. In literature, a character might have "ravenous eyes" symbolizing greed, or a villain might be described as having a "ravenous ambition." The word adds depth and intensity to character portrayal and plot development.
The ancient dragon guarded its treasure with a ravenous ferocity, unwilling to part with even a single coin.
In academic contexts, particularly in fields like psychology, sociology, or environmental studies, 'ravenous' might be used in a more formal sense to describe phenomena or behaviors. For example, a research paper might discuss the "ravenous consumerism" of modern societies or the "ravenous spread" of an invasive species, highlighting an aggressive and uncontrollable aspect.
- DEFINITION
- Ravenous means extremely hungry, often to the point of being fiercely eager for food. It can also describe an insatiable desire for something other than food, implying a strong, almost desperate craving.
§ Tips for Recognizing and Using 'Ravenous'
To master 'ravenous', consider its core meaning of extreme hunger or desire. When you hear or read it, think about what is being consumed or craved with such intensity. Here are some tips:
- Context is key: Always consider the surrounding words. Is it paired with food, or something abstract like power or knowledge?
- Synonyms: Think of words like 'famished,' 'greedy,' 'insatiable,' or 'voracious.' These can help you grasp the nuance.
- Emotional impact: 'Ravenous' often carries a strong emotional charge, suggesting urgency, desperation, or even a lack of control.
By actively listening and reading, you'll notice how 'ravenous' is strategically placed to add impact and vividness to communication. It's a powerful word that, once understood, significantly enhances your English vocabulary.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Ravenous' vs. Alternatives
The word "ravenous" is a powerful adjective that conveys an extreme form of hunger or a strong, almost desperate craving for something. While often associated with food, its usage extends to other desires, emphasizing an insatiable quality. Understanding its nuances and comparing it with similar words will help you use it effectively in your vocabulary.
§ Synonyms for 'Ravenous' (Related to Hunger)
- Hungry
- This is the most general and common term. It simply means having a desire or need for food. It does not carry the same intensity or urgency as "ravenous."
I'm a little hungry for a snack.
- Famished
- Similar to "ravenous," "famished" implies extreme hunger, often to the point of being weak or exhausted from lack of food. It's interchangeable with "ravenous" in many contexts, particularly when referring to a strong physical need for food. However, "ravenous" can sometimes suggest a more fierce or aggressive desire.
After hiking all day, we were absolutely famished.
- Starving
- This word suggests an even more severe level of hunger, often implying prolonged deprivation of food, potentially leading to death. While sometimes used hyperbolically to mean "very hungry," its literal meaning is much stronger than "ravenous."
Many people in war-torn regions are starving due to lack of resources.
- Voracious
- Similar to "ravenous," "voracious" implies a very eager and enthusiastic appetite for food. It can also be used metaphorically for an insatiable desire for something else, like reading or knowledge. "Voracious" often emphasizes the quantity of consumption, while "ravenous" focuses more on the intensity of the craving.
He has a voracious appetite for mystery novels.
§ When to Use 'Ravenous'
Use "ravenous" when you want to convey a powerful, almost primal hunger or an intense, often desperate craving for something. It suggests a fierce eagerness and an insatiable quality.
- For extreme physical hunger: When someone is so hungry they could eat a large amount of food quickly.
- For strong metaphorical desires: When someone has an overwhelming desire for something non-food related, implying a deep and perhaps urgent need.
The lost hikers were ravenous after days in the wilderness.
She had a ravenous hunger for knowledge, constantly reading and researching.
§ When to Choose Alternatives
- Use "hungry" for general hunger.
- Use "famished" when extreme hunger is the focus, often interchangeable with "ravenous" for food.
- Use "starving" for truly dire hunger, often implying prolonged lack of food.
- Use "voracious" when emphasizing the quantity of consumption or an eager, enthusiastic appetite for something, whether food or abstract concepts.
In summary, while there is overlap, "ravenous" stands out for its strong emphasis on fierce eagerness and an almost insatiable craving. It's a vivid word that paints a clear picture of intense desire, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary for precise communication.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
A ravenous hunger/appetite
After hiking all day, I had a ravenous hunger that only a large pizza could satisfy.
To be ravenous for something
The children were ravenous for ice cream after playing outside in the sun.
A ravenous desire/craving for something
He had a ravenous desire for knowledge, spending hours in the library every day.
To look/feel ravenous
The stray dog looked ravenous, its ribs clearly visible.
Ravenous beasts/predators
The ravenous wolves circled their prey, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
To devour something ravenously
She devoured the book ravenously, finishing it in a single afternoon.
To make someone ravenous
The smell of freshly baked bread made me ravenous.
A ravenous appetite for destruction/power
The dictator had a ravenous appetite for power, crushing anyone who stood in his way.
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After a long run, I felt so ___ I could eat a whole pizza.
The sentence talks about eating a whole pizza after a long run, which implies being very hungry. 'Ravenous' means extremely hungry.
The little kitten was ___ for milk after waking up.
The kitten wants milk, so it would be eager for it. 'Ravenous' can mean having an insatiable desire, similar to eagerness here for a simpler context.
I was so ___ after swimming that I ate two sandwiches.
Eating two sandwiches suggests a big appetite, meaning the person was very hungry. 'Ravenous' describes being extremely hungry.
The children were ___ for ice cream on the hot day.
The children had a strong desire for ice cream, which aligns with 'wanting'. 'Ravenous' implies a strong desire or craving.
After hiking all morning, we were ___ for lunch.
Hiking makes people hungry, so they would be hungry for lunch. 'Ravenous' means extremely hungry.
He had a ___ appetite for learning new things.
A 'big' appetite for learning means he wanted to learn a lot, similar to the strong desire implied by 'ravenous'.
After a long hike, the campers were so ___ that they ate all the food in minutes.
Ravenous means extremely hungry, which fits the context of eating all the food quickly after a long hike.
The small kitten was ___ for attention, constantly purring and rubbing against my legs.
Ravenous can also describe an insatiable desire for something other than food, like attention in this case.
When I arrived home, I was ___ and quickly made myself a sandwich.
Being ravenous implies being very hungry, leading to the action of making a sandwich.
The journalist had a ___ curiosity about the truth behind the story.
Ravenous here describes a strong, almost desperate craving or desire for the truth.
After not eating all day, I felt absolutely ___.
Not eating all day would naturally lead to feeling extremely hungry, or ravenous.
The crowd was ___ for news of the election results.
Ravenous can describe a strong, eager desire for something, such as news.
Imagine you are at a picnic and haven't eaten all day. Describe how you feel and what you would do to satisfy your hunger, using the word 'ravenous'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
After a long day, I would feel absolutely ravenous at the picnic. I would immediately grab a sandwich, some fruit, and maybe a piece of cake to satisfy my intense hunger.
Write a short paragraph about a time you had a very strong desire for something, not necessarily food. Use the word 'ravenous' to describe this desire.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
After studying for weeks, I had a ravenous desire to go on holiday. I really wanted to relax and see new places, and couldn't wait to book my trip.
Complete the sentence: 'After the long hike, the hikers were so ravenous that they _________________.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
After the long hike, the hikers were so ravenous that they devoured everything on the table.
What does the passage suggest about the explorer's hunger?
Read this passage:
The explorer had been traveling for days through the dense jungle. His supplies had run out, and the only food he found was a few berries. By the time he reached the small village, he was truly ravenous, dreaming of a hot meal and a soft bed.
What does the passage suggest about the explorer's hunger?
The word 'ravenous' in the passage means extremely hungry, indicating a very strong desire for food after days of travel and lack of supplies.
The word 'ravenous' in the passage means extremely hungry, indicating a very strong desire for food after days of travel and lack of supplies.
What was Sarah's strong craving for?
Read this passage:
Sarah had spent hours working on her painting. She was so focused that she forgot about lunch. By the time she finished, she felt a ravenous craving for a big slice of pizza.
What was Sarah's strong craving for?
The passage states that Sarah felt a 'ravenous craving for a big slice of pizza,' meaning she had an intense desire for it.
The passage states that Sarah felt a 'ravenous craving for a big slice of pizza,' meaning she had an intense desire for it.
In this context, what does 'ravenous desire for victory' mean?
Read this passage:
After winning the championship, the soccer team had a ravenous desire for victory. They had worked hard all season and were finally celebrating their success. Their hunger for more trophies was just beginning.
In this context, what does 'ravenous desire for victory' mean?
The phrase 'ravenous desire for victory' in this context implies a very strong, almost insatiable wish or craving to win, not hunger for food.
The phrase 'ravenous desire for victory' in this context implies a very strong, almost insatiable wish or craving to win, not hunger for food.
This sentence describes a group of people who are extremely hungry after a long hike, making 'ravenous' an appropriate descriptor for their hunger.
This sentence uses 'ravenous' to describe the intense hunger of wolves, fitting the definition of fiercely eager for food.
Here, 'ravenous' is used metaphorically to describe an insatiable desire for knowledge, extending its meaning beyond food.
After hiking for six hours, the explorers developed a ______ appetite.
Ravenous perfectly describes an extremely strong hunger after strenuous activity.
The young entrepreneur had a ______ desire for success, working tirelessly day and night.
Ravenous can describe an insatiable, almost desperate craving for something other than food, like success.
Which of the following best describes someone who is 'ravenous'?
The definition of ravenous emphasizes extreme hunger or an insatiable desire.
A person who has just eaten a large meal could be described as ravenous.
Ravenous implies extreme hunger, which would not be the case after a large meal.
The word 'ravenous' can only be used to describe hunger for food.
The definition states that 'ravenous' can also describe an insatiable desire for something other than food.
Someone with a 'ravenous curiosity' would be very keen to learn and discover.
Using 'ravenous' with curiosity suggests an intense and almost desperate desire for knowledge, aligning with the definition.
The sentence describes someone being extremely hungry after a difficult walk. 'Grueling' is an adjective modifying 'hike'.
This sentence uses 'ravenous' metaphorically to describe a strong desire for information.
The sentence describes critics who are very eager to eat, and the meal itself is described as 'exquisite'.
After weeks lost at sea, the survivors were absolutely ___ for any scrap of food.
'Ravenous' perfectly conveys the extreme hunger and desperation for food after a long period of deprivation, which is a key nuance of the word at the C2 level. 'Peckish' is too mild, while 'sated' and 'gorged' mean the opposite.
The public's ___ appetite for sensational news stories often overrides concerns about journalistic ethics.
Here, 'ravenous' is used metaphorically to describe an insatiable and almost desperate craving for sensationalism, aligning with the extended meaning of the word. 'Modest', 'curious', and 'fleeting' do not capture the intensity.
Despite his recent meal, the athlete found himself with a ___ hunger for victory in the upcoming championship.
This sentence employs 'ravenous' to describe a powerful, almost primal desire for something non-food related, in this case, victory. It highlights the fierce eagerness. The other options are too weak or contradictory.
The new government, with a ___ desire to reform, began dismantling the old bureaucracy immediately.
'Ravenous' here signifies an extremely strong and eager desire for reform, indicating an almost desperate urgency. The other options suggest a lack of enthusiasm or commitment.
His ___ curiosity about ancient civilizations led him to spend years deciphering obscure texts.
The term 'ravenous curiosity' aptly describes an insatiable and intense desire for knowledge, which is a sophisticated metaphorical use of the word. The other options denote a lack of depth or consistency.
After the long and arduous trek through the desert, the explorers were ___ for water.
While 'ravenous' typically refers to hunger, its use here for water implies an equally fierce and desperate craving after extreme dehydration, showcasing its broader application for intense desires. The other options do not convey this level of intensity.
Which of the following best captures the essence of a 'ravenous' appetite?
'Ravenous' implies an intense and almost desperate hunger, far beyond a mild desire or polite interest.
In a figurative sense, if someone has a 'ravenous' hunger for knowledge, what does this suggest?
Figuratively, 'ravenous' extends to an insatiable and profound desire for something, in this case, knowledge.
Which scenario most accurately depicts a 'ravenous' person?
The scenario of a shipwreck survivor devouring food perfectly illustrates the extreme hunger and urgency associated with being 'ravenous'.
A 'ravenous' person would likely be described as delicately picking at their food.
'Ravenous' implies eating with great eagerness and often quickly, which is the opposite of delicately picking at food.
The term 'ravenous' can only be applied to physical hunger, not to other strong desires.
While primarily associated with hunger, 'ravenous' can also be used figuratively to describe an insatiable desire for other things, such as knowledge, power, or attention.
If an animal is 'ravenous', it suggests it is well-fed and content.
A 'ravenous' animal is extremely hungry, often to the point of being fierce, which is the opposite of being well-fed and content.
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