This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

C1 noun #3,500 most common 13 min read

appetite

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips appetite in 30 Seconds

Explanation appetite in your Level:

The word 'appetite' might be a bit difficult for A1 learners, but it is easy to understand if we think about food. At this level, you can think of appetite as 'how much you want to eat.' When you are very hungry and want a big meal, you have a 'big appetite.' If you are sick and do not want to eat, you have 'no appetite.' It is a noun, which means it is a thing. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I have a big appetite' or 'The cake looks good; it gives me an appetite.' In A1, we usually only use this word for food. We don't use it for business or big ideas yet. Just remember: appetite = wanting to eat. If you see a pizza and your stomach feels happy, that is your appetite working! It is important to learn because doctors or parents might ask, 'Do you have an appetite?' to see if you are healthy. It is a polite way to talk about being hungry. You can also say 'Good appetite!' before a meal, although in English we often use the French phrase 'Bon appétit!' instead. Learning this word helps you talk about your health and your meals. It is a common word in the kitchen and at the dinner table. Even at A1, knowing 'appetite' helps you move beyond just saying 'I am hungry.'

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'appetite' in more complete sentences and understand its connection to health. An 'appetite' is a natural desire for food. You might say, 'After playing football, I have a very healthy appetite.' This means you are ready to eat a lot because you were active. You can also learn the common phrase 'lose your appetite.' For example, 'I saw something gross on TV and I lost my appetite.' This means you don't want to eat anymore. At this level, you are beginning to see how 'appetite' is different from 'hunger.' Hunger is the feeling in your stomach when you need food. Appetite is the feeling in your mind when you *want* food. You can have an appetite for a dessert even if you are not hungry. A2 learners should also know that 'appetite' is a singular noun most of the time. You can use adjectives like 'big,' 'small,' 'healthy,' or 'poor' to describe it. For instance, 'My grandfather has a poor appetite because he is ill.' This is a very useful word for talking to doctors or describing how you feel to your friends and family. It is also a good word to use when you are trying to be more descriptive than just using the word 'hungry' all the time.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'appetite' for food and starting to see it used for other things. For example, you might hear someone say they have an 'appetite for reading' or an 'appetite for news.' This means they have a strong interest or desire for those things. This is a metaphorical use of the word. You should also learn the common idiom 'to whet someone's appetite.' This means to make someone interested in something or to make them want more. For example, 'The first chapter of the book really whetted my appetite for the rest of the story.' This level also introduces the idea of 'spoiling your appetite.' If you eat snacks right before dinner, you spoil your appetite because you won't be hungry for the main meal. You can also use 'appetite' in more formal ways, like in a health report: 'The patient's appetite has improved significantly.' B1 learners should notice the preposition 'for' that often follows appetite when talking about interests. 'She has an appetite for adventure' is a classic B1/B2 sentence. Understanding this word helps you describe passions and hobbies more effectively. It shows you understand that human desires are often like physical hunger—we always want to 'consume' more of the things we love.

At the B2 level, 'appetite' becomes a key word for discussing motivations and social trends. You will frequently encounter it in news articles and books. You should understand phrases like 'public appetite' or 'market appetite.' For instance, 'There is a huge public appetite for stories about celebrities.' Here, 'appetite' means demand or strong interest. B2 learners should also be aware of the word in a business context, specifically 'risk appetite.' This refers to how much risk a person or company is willing to take to reach a goal. For example, 'The bank has a low appetite for risky loans.' This is much more sophisticated than just talking about food. You should also be able to use a wider range of adjectives with 'appetite,' such as 'insatiable,' 'voracious,' 'diminished,' or 'growing.' An 'insatiable appetite for power' is a common phrase in politics and history. You are now moving away from the literal meaning of the word and using it to describe complex human behaviors. You should also be careful with the grammar; remember that 'appetite' is usually followed by 'for' plus a noun or a gerund. 'His appetite for learning' or 'his appetite for traveling.' At B2, you are expected to use 'appetite' to show you can talk about abstract concepts with the same ease as physical ones.

At the C1 level, 'appetite' is a versatile tool for nuanced expression. You should be able to use it to describe subtle psychological states and complex organizational policies. C1 learners should understand the nuances between 'appetite' and its synonyms like 'predilection,' 'penchant,' or 'propensity.' While 'appetite' suggests a raw, driving force, 'penchant' suggests a more refined or habitual liking. You will see 'appetite' used in high-level financial analysis to describe 'investor appetite' for certain assets. In literature, it might be used to describe a character's 'jaded appetite'—someone who has experienced so much that they are no longer easily satisfied. You should also be familiar with the medical and psychological implications of the word, such as how 'appetite' is linked to dopamine and reward systems in the brain. At this level, you can use 'appetite' to construct sophisticated metaphors: 'The colonial powers had an unquenchable appetite for new territories.' You should also be comfortable using the word in various registers, from clinical ('The drug can suppress appetite') to poetic ('An appetite for the infinite'). Precision is key at C1; you must choose 'appetite' when you want to emphasize the *craving* or *desire* aspect of a motivation. It is a word that describes the 'why' behind many human actions, making it essential for deep analysis in essays or professional discussions.

For C2 learners, 'appetite' is a word whose metaphorical depth can be fully exploited. You should understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'appetitus,' meaning 'longing' or 'desire,' and how this history informs its modern usage. At C2, you can use 'appetite' to discuss philosophical concepts, such as the 'appetitive part of the soul' in Platonic philosophy, which deals with basic desires. You will encounter the word in complex socio-economic critiques, such as 'the insatiable appetite of global capitalism for natural resources.' C2 speakers use 'appetite' to convey a sense of inevitability or biological compulsion in human affairs. You might describe a political era as having a 'voracious appetite for change,' suggesting a force that cannot be easily stopped. You should also be able to manipulate the word's connotations—using it to suggest something healthy and vital or something destructive and greedy. The distinction between 'appetite' and 'greed' is often a matter of context and the adjectives used. In academic writing, you might analyze the 'appetite for destruction' in certain artistic movements or the 'appetite for surveillance' in modern states. At this level, 'appetite' is no longer just a word; it is a conceptual framework for understanding how humans and systems seek to incorporate the external world into themselves. Your usage should reflect this level of abstract thinking and precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

appetite in 30 Seconds

Appetite is the desire for food or a strong liking for a specific activity or experience.
It bridges the gap between physical hunger and psychological ambition, used in health and business.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'for' and verbs like 'whet,' 'satisfy,' or 'spoil.'
At a C1 level, it frequently describes organizational risk tolerance or public demand for content.

The word appetite is a multifaceted noun that bridges the gap between our most basic biological instincts and our most complex psychological ambitions. At its core, it refers to the physiological sensation of hunger or the natural desire to consume food. However, in contemporary English, especially at the C1 level, its application extends far beyond the dining table. It represents a profound 'hunger' for experiences, power, knowledge, or even risk. When we speak of an appetite, we are discussing a driving force—a motivational energy that pushes an individual toward a specific goal or satisfaction.

Literal Usage: Refers to the physical craving for food. For example, 'A brisk walk in the cold mountain air always gives me a healthy appetite.' Here, it is a biological state.

The intense workout at the gym left him with a voracious appetite that even a three-course meal could barely satisfy.

In a figurative sense, appetite describes an intellectual or emotional craving. This is where the word gains its C1 sophistication. You might hear a CEO talk about a company's 'appetite for risk,' which refers to how much uncertainty the organization is willing to tolerate in pursuit of profit. Similarly, a scholar might have an 'insatiable appetite for ancient history,' meaning they can never read enough books on the subject. The word implies a recurring need; once satisfied, it often returns, much like physical hunger.

Psychological Aspect: It suggests a natural inclination. Unlike 'greed,' which has a negative connotation, 'appetite' can be neutral or even positive, suggesting a healthy zest for life or achievement.

The public's appetite for scandal seems to be growing, fueled by the relentless cycle of 24-hour news and social media gossip.

Contextually, the word is often paired with adjectives that define its scale. A 'healthy' appetite suggests normalcy, while a 'jaded' appetite suggests someone who has seen or had too much of something and is no longer easily impressed. In business contexts, 'appetite' is a standard term in risk management and investment strategy. It quantifies the level of desire for a particular outcome against the potential for loss.

Investors showed little appetite for the new tech startup after the recent market crash.

Medical Context: Doctors often ask patients about their appetite as a diagnostic tool. A 'loss of appetite' (anorexia) is a common symptom of many physical and psychological ailments.

The medication caused a noticeable decrease in her appetite, making it difficult for her to maintain a healthy weight.

Ultimately, whether you are talking about a hungry child, a thrill-seeker looking for their next adrenaline rush, or a corporation weighing its financial options, 'appetite' is the word that captures that intrinsic, driving need. It is a word that suggests that humans are never truly finished; we are always seeking to consume, whether it be calories, information, or power.

Her appetite for travel led her to visit over fifty countries before she turned thirty.

Using 'appetite' effectively requires an understanding of its common collocations and the prepositions that typically follow it. In its most basic form, 'appetite' functions as a singular or plural noun, though the singular form is far more common when referring to a general state of being or a specific desire. When you are talking about the physical need for food, you might say someone 'has a big appetite' or 'has lost their appetite.' In a professional or academic setting, you will likely use it metaphorically to describe a collective desire or a personal passion.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with appetite include: whet, satisfy, lose, spoil, and stimulate. To 'whet someone's appetite' means to increase their interest in something.

The short teaser trailer was designed to whet the audience's appetite for the full-length feature film coming out next summer.

When describing the intensity of the desire, adjectives play a crucial role. A 'voracious' or 'insatiable' appetite suggests a desire that can never be fully met. A 'diminished' or 'flagging' appetite suggests a loss of interest or physical hunger. In formal reports, you might encounter terms like 'risk appetite,' which is almost always treated as a singular concept representing a policy or a psychological threshold. For example, 'The board of directors has a low appetite for high-risk investments in emerging markets.'

Sentence Patterns: Subject + Verb + (Adjective) + Appetite + For + Noun. Example: 'The public has a growing appetite for sustainable products.'

Despite the heavy lunch, he still had enough of an appetite to enjoy a large slice of chocolate cake for dessert.

In literary contexts, authors often use 'appetite' to personify a character's greed or lust for life. It can be used to describe a society as a whole, such as 'the modern appetite for consumption.' Notice how the word often takes the definite article 'the' or an indefinite article 'an' depending on whether the appetite is specific or general. It is rarely used in the plural unless referring to the different types of desires a single person or group might have, such as 'his various appetites for wine, women, and song.'

The CEO's appetite for expansion led the company into several ill-advised mergers that ultimately caused its downfall.

Idiomatic Use: To 'lose one's appetite' can be literal or figurative. If you see something disgusting, you lose your physical appetite. If you hear bad news about a project, you might lose your appetite for continuing it.

Don't eat those crackers now; you will spoil your appetite for the dinner I've been cooking all afternoon.

In conclusion, mastering 'appetite' involves recognizing whether the context is physical, psychological, or organizational. By pairing it with the right verbs and adjectives, you can convey a wide range of human motivations and biological states with precision and sophistication.

The word 'appetite' is ubiquitous across several domains of English-speaking life, from the casual kitchen conversation to the high-stakes boardroom of a multinational corporation. Understanding where you will encounter this word helps in grasping its nuances and various registers. In daily life, it is most frequently heard in relation to health and dining. Parents often worry about their children's appetites, and friends might comment on someone's impressive ability to eat large quantities of food.

The Business World: In finance and corporate strategy, 'appetite' is a technical term. Professionals frequently discuss 'risk appetite'—the level of risk an entity is prepared to accept. You will hear this in meetings, read it in annual reports, and see it in financial news headlines.

'We need to assess whether the company has the appetite for a hostile takeover in the current economic climate,' the consultant remarked.

In the realm of media and entertainment, 'appetite' is used to describe the public's demand for certain types of content. Editors and producers often talk about the 'public appetite for true crime' or the 'audience's appetite for nostalgia.' It serves as a synonym for 'market demand' but carries a more visceral, human connotation. You will hear journalists use it to explain why certain stories are trending or why specific genres of film are becoming popular.

Healthcare and Wellness: In medical settings, 'appetite' is a clinical indicator. Doctors, nurses, and dietitians use it to monitor a patient's recovery or the side effects of a medication. It is a standard question in any health assessment.

'Have you noticed any changes in your appetite or sleep patterns lately?' the physician asked during the routine check-up.

Literature and high-end journalism also make frequent use of the word to add flavor to descriptions. A political commentator might write about a politician's 'unquenchable appetite for power,' or a food critic might describe a dish that 'whets the appetite for the main course.' It is a favorite of writers because it evokes a sensory experience, making abstract concepts feel more tangible and urgent.

The museum's new exhibit on space exploration is sure to satisfy the public's appetite for scientific discovery.

Political Discourse: Politicians and pundits often discuss the 'political appetite' for reform or legislative changes, indicating whether there is enough will or desire among voters and lawmakers to take action.

There currently seems to be little appetite in Congress for another round of tax increases.

In summary, 'appetite' is a versatile word that you will hear in hospitals, kitchens, boardrooms, and newsrooms. Its ability to describe both a biological need and a complex human desire makes it an essential part of the English vocabulary across all levels of formality.

While 'appetite' is a common word, its usage can be tricky, particularly for non-native speakers moving into the C1 and C2 levels. One of the most frequent errors involves the misuse of prepositions. Many learners mistakenly use 'appetite of' when they should use 'appetite for.' Remember: you have an appetite *for* something (the object of your desire), whereas the appetite *of* someone refers to the person who possesses the hunger.

Preposition Error: Incorrect: 'He has a strong appetite of success.' Correct: 'He has a strong appetite for success.' The preposition 'for' connects the desire to the goal.

Incorrect: The appetite to risk is low. Correct: The appetite for risk is low.

Another common mistake is confusing 'appetite' with 'hunger.' While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Hunger' often implies a state of physical suffering or a lack of something essential. 'Appetite,' conversely, is more about the *desire* or *inclination* to eat or experience something. You can have an appetite for a specific dish even if you aren't feeling particularly hungry. Similarly, 'hunger' is rarely used in business contexts like 'risk appetite.'

Spelling and Pronunciation: Learners sometimes misspell it as 'apetite' (with one 'p') or 'appetit' (forgetting the 'e'). In pronunciation, ensure the stress is on the first syllable: AP-pe-tite.

Correct: She has a healthy appetite. (Note the double 'p' and final 'e').

A stylistic mistake is overusing the word in its physical sense when a more specific word might be better. For instance, if someone is starving, 'appetite' might sound too polite or clinical. Conversely, using 'appetite' in very informal slang contexts might sound slightly out of place, as it is a somewhat formal noun. However, the most significant error is failing to use the idiomatic expressions correctly. For example, saying 'I've lost my hunger' when you mean 'I've lost my appetite' (after seeing something gross) sounds unnatural to a native speaker.

Incorrect: 'That movie really opened my appetite.' Correct: 'That movie really whetted my appetite.'

Countability: While 'appetite' can be countable, it is often used as an uncountable concept in medical contexts. 'He has no appetite' is more common than 'He has no appetites.'

Incorrect: 'The doctor asked about my appetites.' Correct: 'The doctor asked about my appetite.'

By avoiding these common pitfalls—especially the preposition 'for' and the specific verb 'whet'—you will sound much more natural and precise in your use of this C1-level vocabulary word.

To truly master the word 'appetite,' it is helpful to understand the synonyms and related terms that can be used to add variety to your writing and speech. Depending on whether you are talking about food, desire, or business, different alternatives may be more appropriate. At the C1 level, choosing the precise word for the context is key. While 'hunger' is the most common synonym, it lacks the nuance of 'appetite' when describing a psychological inclination.

Hunger vs. Appetite: 'Hunger' is the physical need for food. 'Appetite' is the desire for it. You can have an appetite for chocolate even if you aren't hungry. In an abstract sense, 'hunger for power' is more intense and desperate than 'appetite for power.'

While his appetite for adventure was satisfied by the trip, his hunger for real change remained unaddressed.

Other strong alternatives include 'craving,' 'yen,' 'penchant,' and 'relish.' A 'craving' is a sudden, intense desire for a specific thing (usually food). A 'yen' is a strong desire or urge, often used informally (e.g., 'a yen for some peace and quiet'). A 'penchant' is a strong or habitual liking for something (e.g., 'a penchant for expensive cars'). 'Relish' refers to the great enjoyment of something, often used as a verb but also as a noun implying a keen appetite for an experience.

Business Alternatives: In professional settings, instead of 'risk appetite,' you might use 'risk tolerance,' 'risk threshold,' or 'predilection.' These words sound more clinical and analytical.

The firm's risk tolerance is quite low, which explains their lack of appetite for volatile stocks.

If you want to describe a lack of appetite, you can use 'aversion,' 'disinclination,' or 'distaste.' 'Aversion' is a strong dislike or disinclination. 'Anorexia' is the medical term for loss of appetite, though it is most commonly associated with the specific eating disorder. In a literary sense, one might have a 'jaded' view or a 'cloyed' palate, suggesting that they have had so much of something that they can no longer enjoy it.

After years of luxury, he developed a certain appetite for the simpler things in life, finding an aversion to his previous decadence.

Summary of Comparisons: Appetite (General desire) vs. Craving (Specific, intense desire) vs. Hunger (Physical need) vs. Penchant (Habitual liking).

By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can tailor your language to the specific nuances of the situation, ensuring that your communication is both precise and engaging.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'appetizer' comes from the same root and was first used in the late 19th century to describe small dishes that stimulate the desire for more food. The root 'petere' is also found in words like 'petition' and 'compete,' all of which involve 'seeking' or 'striving' for something.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈæp.ə.taɪt/

US /ˈæp.ə.taɪt/

Primary stress is on the first syllable (AP-pe-tite).

Rhymes With

Bright Kite Light Night Right Sight Tight White

Common Errors

Putting stress on the last syllable (appe-TITE).
Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
Confusing the 'p' sounds with 'b' in some languages.
Pronouncing the middle 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Shortening the final 'i' sound so it sounds like 'appetit'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and literature, but the metaphorical meanings require C1 level understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct preposition use ('for') and appropriate adjective pairings.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to use in basic food contexts, harder in business or abstract contexts.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced, though the middle schwa can be fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Hungry Food Desire Eat Want

Learn Next

Voracious Insatiable Predilection Satiety Penchant

Advanced

Metabolism Anorexia Risk Tolerance Hedonism Asceticism

Grammar to Know

Nouns followed by 'for'

His appetite for success is inspiring.

Gerunds after prepositions

She has an appetite for traveling.

Adjective order before nouns

A huge, insatiable appetite.

Uncountable vs Countable nouns

He has a big appetite (countable); Loss of appetite (uncountable).

Idiomatic verb-noun collocations

Whet (verb) + appetite (noun).

Examples by Level

I have a big appetite today.

Tengo mucho apetito hoy.

Subject + have + adjective + appetite.

Do you have an appetite for lunch?

¿Tienes apetito para el almuerzo?

Question form with 'do'.

The apple gives me an appetite.

La manzana me da apetito.

Simple present tense.

He has a small appetite.

Él tiene poco apetito.

Adjective 'small' modifies 'appetite'.

I lost my appetite.

Perdí mi apetito.

Past tense of 'lose'.

Good appetite!

¡Buen provecho!

Common expression (though 'Bon appétit' is more common).

Is your appetite healthy?

¿Es tu apetito saludable?

Using 'is' as the main verb.

She has no appetite.

Ella no tiene apetito.

'No' used as a determiner.

The fresh air gave us a healthy appetite.

El aire fresco nos dio un apetito saludable.

Past tense 'gave'.

I always have a big appetite after exercise.

Siempre tengo mucho apetito después de hacer ejercicio.

Frequency adverb 'always'.

Don't eat sweets now; you will spoil your appetite.

No comas dulces ahora; arruinarás tu apetito.

Imperative and future tense.

He lost his appetite when he saw the spider.

Perdió el apetito cuando vio la araña.

Conjunction 'when'.

My appetite is better today than yesterday.

Mi apetito es mejor hoy que ayer.

Comparative 'better'.

The smell of baking bread stimulates the appetite.

El olor del pan horneándose estimula el apetito.

Third person singular verb 'stimulates'.

A poor appetite can be a sign of illness.

Un poco de apetito puede ser un signo de enfermedad.

Modal verb 'can'.

He has a voracious appetite for pizza.

Él tiene un apetito voraz por la pizza.

Adjective 'voracious'.

The movie trailer whetted my appetite for the film.

El tráiler de la película me abrió el apetito por la película.

Idiom 'whet someone's appetite'.

She has an insatiable appetite for historical novels.

Ella tiene un apetito insaciable por las novelas históricas.

Adjective 'insatiable' and preposition 'for'.

The public has a growing appetite for renewable energy.

El público tiene un apetito creciente por la energía renovable.

Present continuous adjective 'growing'.

He tried to satisfy his appetite for adventure by traveling.

Trató de satisfacer su apetito de aventura viajando.

Infinitive 'to satisfy' and gerund 'traveling'.

Exercising in the morning helps me maintain a good appetite.

Hacer ejercicio por la mañana me ayuda a mantener un buen apetito.

Gerund as subject.

They have a huge appetite for risk in their business.

Tienen un gran apetito por el riesgo en su negocio.

Metaphorical use in business.

The news report spoiled my appetite for dinner.

El reportaje de noticias me quitó el apetito para la cena.

Figurative use of 'spoil'.

A healthy appetite is usually a sign of recovery.

Un apetito saludable suele ser un signo de recuperación.

Adverb 'usually'.

The investors showed little appetite for the new technology.

Los inversores mostraron poco apetito por la nueva tecnología.

Uncountable use with 'little'.

There is a voracious appetite for scandal in the tabloids.

Hay un apetito voraz por el escándalo en los tabloides.

Existential 'there is'.

His appetite for power led him to make many enemies.

Su apetito por el poder lo llevó a hacerse muchos enemigos.

Abstract noun as subject.

The chef's goal is to whet the appetite of every customer.

El objetivo del chef es abrir el apetito de cada cliente.

Infinitive phrase.

The company's risk appetite is defined in its annual report.

El apetito de riesgo de la empresa se define en su informe anual.

Passive voice 'is defined'.

Her appetite for learning seems to be limitless.

Su apetito por aprender parece ser ilimitado.

Linking verb 'seems'.

The recession has dampened the consumer appetite for luxury goods.

La recesión ha disminuido el apetito del consumidor por los bienes de lujo.

Present perfect tense.

He has a penchant for sweets, but a small appetite for savory food.

Tiene una inclinación por los dulces, pero poco apetito por la comida salada.

Contrast using 'but'.

The geopolitical instability has significantly curtailed the global appetite for emerging market bonds.

La inestabilidad geopolítica ha reducido significativamente el apetito global por los bonos de mercados emergentes.

Complex subject and past participle.

While the prologue whets the appetite, the subsequent chapters fail to deliver on the initial promise.

Si bien el prólogo abre el apetito, los capítulos siguientes no cumplen con la promesa inicial.

Subordinating conjunction 'while'.

His jaded appetite for high society was evident in his cynical remarks.

Su apetito hastiado por la alta sociedad era evidente en sus comentarios cínicos.

Adjective 'jaded' used metaphorically.

The patient's persistent loss of appetite necessitated a series of diagnostic tests.

La pérdida persistente de apetito del paciente requirió una serie de pruebas diagnósticas.

Formal vocabulary ('necessitated').

There is a palpable appetite for institutional reform among the younger electorate.

Hay un apetito palpable por la reforma institucional entre el electorado más joven.

Adjective 'palpable' for emphasis.

The insatiable appetite of the tech giants for user data has raised privacy concerns worldwide.

El apetito insaciable de los gigantes tecnológicos por los datos de los usuarios ha despertado preocupaciones sobre la privacidad en todo el mundo.

Possessive phrase with 'of'.

Her appetite for destruction was famously chronicled in the rock star's autobiography.

Su apetito por la destrucción fue famosamente relatado en la autobiografía de la estrella de rock.

Passive voice 'was chronicled'.

One must consider the risk appetite of the stakeholders before proceeding with the merger.

Se debe considerar el apetito de riesgo de las partes interesadas antes de proceder con la fusión.

Formal pronoun 'one'.

The sheer voracity of the public's appetite for sensationalist media is a troubling indictment of modern discourse.

La pura voracidad del apetito del público por los medios sensacionalistas es una acusación preocupante del discurso moderno.

Noun phrase as complex subject.

In his later years, the philosopher's appetite for abstract metaphysics gave way to a profound concern for ethical pragmatism.

En sus últimos años, el apetito del filósofo por la metafísica abstracta dio paso a una profunda preocupación por el pragmatismo ético.

Idiom 'gave way to'.

The market's appetite for volatility can often be exploited by savvy day traders.

El apetito del mercado por la volatilidad a menudo puede ser explotado por operadores diarios expertos.

Passive modal 'can be exploited'.

Despite the abundance, there was a certain cloyed appetite among the aristocracy, a sense that no novelty could truly satisfy them.

A pesar de la abundancia, había un cierto apetito hastiado entre la aristocracia, una sensación de que ninguna novedad podía satisfacerlos realmente.

Adjective 'cloyed'.

The administration's appetite for surveillance is often justified under the nebulous guise of national security.

El apetito de la administración por la vigilancia a menudo se justifica bajo la nebulosa apariencia de la seguridad nacional.

Prepositional phrase 'under the guise of'.

Her unquenchable appetite for artistic innovation drove her to experiment with increasingly avant-garde mediums.

Su apetito insaciable por la innovación artística la llevó a experimentar con medios cada vez más vanguardistas.

Adverb-adjective combination 'increasingly avant-garde'.

The sheer scale of the project whetted the appetite of the ambitious urban planners.

La magnitud del proyecto despertó el apetito de los ambiciosos planificadores urbanos.

Transitive use of 'whet'.

The patient's appetite, or lack thereof, became a focal point of the clinical investigation into the rare metabolic disorder.

El apetito del paciente, o la falta del mismo, se convirtió en un punto focal de la investigación clínica sobre el raro trastorno metabólico.

Formal phrase 'lack thereof'.

Synonyms

hunger craving desire relish penchant inclination

Antonyms

aversion distaste satiety

Common Collocations

Healthy appetite

Risk appetite

Insatiable appetite

Lose one's appetite

Whet the appetite

Public appetite

Poor appetite

Voracious appetite

Spoil one's appetite

Investor appetite

Common Phrases

To have an appetite for something

— To have a strong desire or liking for something. It can be food or an abstract concept.

She has an appetite for hard work.

To whet the appetite

— To increase someone's interest in something, especially by giving them a small taste of it.

The teaser trailer whetted the fans' appetite for the new movie.

To lose one's appetite

— To no longer want to eat, often because of sickness, bad news, or something unpleasant.

Seeing the messy kitchen made me lose my appetite.

To spoil one's appetite

— To eat something (like a snack) that makes you not hungry for a later, more important meal.

Stop snacking on chips; you'll spoil your appetite for dinner.

A healthy appetite

— A normal, good desire for food; often used as a sign of being in good health.

Despite his age, he still maintains a healthy appetite.

An insatiable appetite

— A desire that is so large it can never be fully satisfied.

The dictator had an insatiable appetite for control.

Risk appetite

— The level of risk a person or organization is willing to take to achieve their objectives.

Our company has a low risk appetite for international expansion.

Public appetite

— The general desire or demand from the people for a specific type of information or entertainment.

There is a massive public appetite for true crime podcasts.

To satisfy one's appetite

— To eat enough to stop being hungry, or to fulfill a desire.

He satisfied his appetite for travel by visiting every continent.

Appetite for destruction

— A strong desire to destroy things or cause chaos; also the name of a famous rock album.

The toddlers had an appetite for destruction in the toy store.

Often Confused With

appetite vs Hunger

Hunger is the physical need; appetite is the psychological desire.

appetite vs Greed

Greed is always negative; appetite can be healthy or neutral.

appetite vs Appetizer

An appetizer is a small dish; appetite is the feeling of wanting to eat.

Idioms & Expressions

"Whet your appetite"

— To make you want more of something by giving you a little bit of it first.

The first chapter of the mystery novel really whetted my appetite.

Informal/Neutral

"Lose your appetite"

— To suddenly not feel like eating, usually due to a physical or emotional shock.

When he heard the price of the car, he lost his appetite for buying it.

Neutral

"Spoil your appetite"

— To ruin your hunger for a main meal by eating something less important beforehand.

Don't eat those cookies now; you'll spoil your appetite.

Casual

"Work up an appetite"

— To do something physical so that you become hungry.

We went for a long swim to work up an appetite for the BBQ.

Neutral

"Appetite for life"

— A strong desire to enjoy all the experiences and pleasures that life offers.

Even at ninety, she had a tremendous appetite for life.

Literary/Positive

"A jaded appetite"

— A lack of interest or desire caused by having too much of something.

The billionaire had a jaded appetite for luxury travel.

Formal/Literary

"Voracious appetite"

— An extremely large or greedy desire for something, usually food or knowledge.

He has a voracious appetite for science fiction novels.

Neutral

"An appetite for power"

— A strong and often ruthless desire to be in control of others.

History is full of leaders with an unquenchable appetite for power.

Formal

"Satisfy the appetite"

— To provide enough of something to meet a desire or need.

The new museum exhibit satisfied the public's appetite for local history.

Neutral

"Appetite for risk"

— The specific amount of risk someone is willing to accept.

Younger investors typically have a higher appetite for risk than retirees.

Business/Formal

Easily Confused

appetite vs Hunger

Both relate to eating.

Hunger is the biological signal that you need food to survive. Appetite is the desire to eat, which can be triggered by the smell or sight of food even if you aren't hungry.

I was full, but the smell of the pie gave me an appetite.

appetite vs Craving

Both mean wanting something.

A craving is usually for a specific food (like chocolate) and is very intense. Appetite is a more general desire to eat or engage in an activity.

She has an appetite for sweets, but specifically a craving for fudge.

appetite vs Penchant

Both describe a liking for something.

Penchant is a habitual or permanent liking. Appetite is a more visceral, driving desire that might come and go like hunger.

He has a penchant for jazz and an appetite for new musical experiences.

appetite vs Aspiration

Both involve wanting to achieve something.

Aspiration is a high-level goal or dream. Appetite is a more immediate, gut-level desire to consume or experience something.

His aspiration was to be president, fueled by his appetite for power.

appetite vs Lust

Both describe strong desire.

Lust usually has a sexual or negative greedy connotation. Appetite is more neutral and can describe healthy interests.

His appetite for life was often mistaken for a mere lust for pleasure.

Sentence Patterns

I have a [adjective] appetite.

I have a big appetite.

Don't [verb] your appetite.

Don't spoil your appetite.

[Something] whets my appetite for [noun].

The book whets my appetite for history.

The [group] has a [adjective] appetite for [noun].

The public has a growing appetite for news.

[Abstract Noun] + [Verb] + the [adjective] appetite for [Noun].

Geopolitics curtailed the global appetite for investment.

The [noun] of [noun]'s appetite for [noun] is [adjective].

The voracity of the public's appetite for scandal is troubling.

[Noun] is a testament to the [adjective] appetite for [Noun].

The tall skyscraper is a testament to the city's appetite for expansion.

Having a [adjective] appetite is [adjective].

Having a healthy appetite is important.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both everyday speech and specialized fields.

Common Mistakes

He has a big appetite of adventure. → He has a big appetite for adventure.
The preposition 'for' is required when linking appetite to the thing desired.
The movie wet my appetite. → The movie whet my appetite.
'Whet' means to sharpen or stimulate; 'wet' means covered in water.
I have a hunger for pizza. (when not actually starving) → I have an appetite for pizza.
'Hunger' is a physical need; 'appetite' is a desire or interest.
The board has a low risk hunger. → The board has a low risk appetite.
'Risk appetite' is the fixed technical term in business; 'risk hunger' is not used.
My appetites are small. → My appetite is small.
'Appetite' is usually used in the singular unless referring to multiple distinct types of desires.

Tips

Preposition check

Always use 'for' after appetite when you are naming the object of desire. 'Appetite for learning' is correct; 'Appetite of learning' is wrong.

Expand your adjectives

Instead of just 'big' or 'small,' try using 'voracious,' 'insatiable,' or 'meager' to describe an appetite more precisely.

Use in Business

Use 'risk appetite' in interviews or meetings when discussing strategy. It shows a high level of professional English fluency.

Stress the start

Make sure to emphasize the 'AP' at the beginning of the word. AP-pe-tite.

Whet vs. Wet

Always spell it 'whet the appetite.' Think of sharpening a knife (whetstone) to help you remember the 'h'.

Medical context

In a medical context, 'appetite' is often used as a singular, uncountable noun. 'The patient has no appetite.'

Spoiling the fun

You can use 'spoil the appetite' metaphorically too, if someone gives away the ending of a movie before you see it!

Avoid repetition

If you use 'appetite' in one sentence, try 'desire' or 'hunger' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

Social cues

In some cultures, saying 'I have a big appetite' is a compliment to the chef. In others, it might be seen as impolite.

C1/C2 focus

For exams like IELTS or CAE, use 'appetite' to describe social trends or public interest to score higher on lexical resource.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Apple' + 'Petite'. If you have a 'petite' (small) 'apple', you might need a bigger 'appetite' to eat more! Or, remember: 'A' 'P'erson 'P'lans 'E'ating 'T'o 'I'ndulge 'T'heir 'E'nergy.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, empty plate and a tiny person with a fork and knife looking ready to eat a mountain of food. This represents a 'large appetite.'

Word Web

Hunger Desire Food Risk Whet Satisfy Spoil Health

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'appetite' in three different ways: one about food, one about a hobby, and one about a business or news topic.

Word Origin

The word 'appetite' comes from the Old French word 'apetit', which was derived from the Latin 'appetitus'. The Latin root is 'appetere', which combines 'ad-' (to) and 'petere' (to seek or go toward).

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was a 'longing for' or a 'desire for' something, not just food.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'appetite' in medical contexts, as 'loss of appetite' can be a sensitive topic related to serious illnesses or eating disorders.

In English-speaking countries, 'appetite' is often used politely in medical or social settings to avoid the more blunt word 'hunger.'

Guns N' Roses album: 'Appetite for Destruction' Shakespeare's Twelfth Night: 'If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.' The common phrase 'Bon appétit' used by English speakers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dining and Food

Bon appétit!
I've worked up an appetite.
Don't spoil your appetite.
A hearty appetite.

Medical/Health

Loss of appetite.
Poor appetite.
Appetite suppressant.
Stimulate the appetite.

Business/Finance

Risk appetite.
Investor appetite.
Market appetite.
Appetite for growth.

Hobbies/Interests

Appetite for learning.
Appetite for adventure.
Whet the appetite for more.
Insatiable appetite for books.

Social/Political

Public appetite for change.
Appetite for scandal.
Political appetite.
Appetite for destruction.

Conversation Starters

"What kind of activities usually give you a big appetite?"

"Do you have an insatiable appetite for any particular hobby or subject?"

"How do you feel about the public's appetite for celebrity gossip?"

"Has a movie or book ever whetted your appetite for a new experience?"

"In your opinion, what is the best way to satisfy an appetite for adventure?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you lost your appetite due to stress or excitement. What happened?

Reflect on your current 'appetite for learning.' What subjects are you most hungry to know more about?

Do you think society has a healthy or unhealthy appetite for new technology? Explain your view.

Write about a meal that perfectly satisfied your appetite after a long day of work.

Consider the phrase 'appetite for risk.' How would you describe your own risk appetite in life and career?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both. In 'a healthy appetite,' it is countable. In 'loss of appetite,' it is often treated as uncountable. Generally, use it as a countable noun when describing a specific person's desire.

It is a business term describing the amount and type of risk an organization is willing to take in order to meet its strategic objectives. A low risk appetite means the company is very cautious.

Yes, but usually to describe who the appetite belongs to (the appetite of the public). If you are describing what is desired, use 'appetite for' (an appetite for success).

You must use 'whet.' It comes from an old word meaning to sharpen (like a whetstone). 'Wet' is a common spelling mistake and is incorrect in this context.

No, it is very common to use it metaphorically for power, knowledge, risk, destruction, or any strong desire for an experience.

It is usually neutral. A 'healthy appetite' is positive, but an 'insatiable appetite for power' can be negative. It depends on the context and the adjectives used.

Doctors use it to check health. Common phrases include 'loss of appetite,' 'increased appetite,' or 'poor appetite.' It is a key symptom for many conditions.

It means to eat a snack too close to a main meal, so that you are no longer hungry for the important food later.

Voracious, insatiable, diminished, persistent, flagging, and robust are all excellent formal choices.

It comes from the Latin 'appetitus,' meaning 'longing' or 'desire,' from the root 'petere' (to seek).