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B2 noun #45 most common 16 min read

appetites

Top 45

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips appetites in 30 Seconds

Explanation appetites in your Level:

At the A1 level, we focus on the basic meaning of 'appetite.' It is about being hungry. When you want to eat, you have an appetite. For example, if you see a delicious pizza and you want to eat it, you have a good appetite. If you are sick and do not want to eat, you have no appetite. We usually use the singular word 'appetite' at this level. The plural 'appetites' is not common for beginners. You might hear a teacher say, 'I hope you have big appetites for lunch!' to a group of children. This just means 'I hope you are all very hungry.' It is a simple word for a simple feeling: the need for food. You use it with 'have' or 'has.' I have an appetite. He has an appetite. It is a noun. It is like the word 'hunger,' but 'appetite' is more about the feeling of wanting to eat something good, not just the pain of having no food. Think of it as 'food desire.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'appetite' to describe how much someone likes to eat in general. Some people have a 'big appetite' and eat a lot of food. Other people have a 'small appetite' and eat only a little. You can also use the plural 'appetites' when talking about a group of people. For example, 'The children have large appetites after playing outside.' This means all the children are very hungry. You might also see the word 'appetizer' at this level, which is a small food you eat before the big meal to make you more hungry. 'Appetites' is still mostly about food at this stage. You can use adjectives like 'good,' 'bad,' 'big,' or 'small' to describe it. It is a useful word for talking about health and daily life. If you go to a restaurant with friends, you can say, 'We all have great appetites tonight!' to show that you are excited to eat the meal together.

At the B1 level, the word 'appetites' starts to be used for things other than food. You might hear about an 'appetite for adventure' or an 'appetite for learning.' This means a person has a strong desire to do exciting things or to study new topics. The plural 'appetites' is used when a person has many different interests. For example, 'He has varied appetites; he loves sports, music, and reading.' This shows that the person is very active and interested in many things. You will also see common phrases like 'to whet someone's appetite.' This means to make someone interested in something. For example, 'The first chapter of the book whetted my appetite for the rest of the story.' This is a more advanced way to use the word. You are moving away from just 'hunger' and starting to talk about 'interest' and 'desire.' You should also be careful with spelling and remember that it is a countable noun. You can have one appetite or many appetites.

At the B2 level, 'appetites' is a versatile word used in professional and abstract contexts. You will frequently encounter 'risk appetites' in business and finance. This refers to how much risk a company or investor is willing to take. For example, 'The company's appetites for risk have decreased since the economic crisis.' Here, the plural suggests different types of risk. You also use 'appetites' to describe societal trends. 'The public's appetites for celebrity gossip seem to be growing.' This usage implies a collective, almost biological drive for information or entertainment. You should be comfortable using sophisticated adjectives like 'insatiable,' 'voracious,' or 'diminished' with 'appetites.' You understand that the word carries a connotation of a deep-seated, recurring drive. In your writing, you can use 'appetites' to analyze motivations. Instead of saying 'They wanted more power,' you can say 'Their appetites for power were never satisfied.' This makes your English sound more natural and academic. You also know the correct preposition to use: 'appetites for.'

At the C1 level, you use 'appetites' with precision and nuance. You recognize it as a powerful metaphorical tool in literature, politics, and social commentary. You might discuss the 'competing appetites' of different political factions or the 'destructive appetites' of a tragic hero in a play. The plural form is used to indicate the complexity of human nature—that we are driven by many different, sometimes conflicting, desires at once. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'appetites,' 'cravings,' 'predilections,' and 'yearnings.' For instance, you know that 'appetites' suggests a more robust and persistent drive than 'inclinations.' You can use the word to discuss macro-level phenomena, such as 'global appetites for energy' or 'consumer appetites in emerging markets.' Your use of the word is not just about vocabulary, but about expressing complex ideas about motivation, economics, and psychology. You can also use it in idiomatic expressions with ease, understanding the historical and cultural weight behind phrases like 'appetite for destruction.'

At the C2 level, 'appetites' is a word you use to explore the depths of philosophy and human experience. You might analyze how 'appetites' are shaped by culture and history, or how they relate to the concept of the 'will' in philosophical texts. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the 'sensory appetites' in a psychological study or the 'appetites of the state' in political theory. You understand the most subtle connotations; for example, how using 'appetites' can sometimes dehumanize a group by suggesting their actions are driven by base instincts rather than reason. You can write complex, balanced sentences like, 'While the Enlightenment sought to subject human appetites to the rule of reason, the Romantic movement celebrated them as the true source of creative energy.' Your mastery of the word allows you to use it as a scalpel, precisely dissecting the motivations and drives that define individuals and civilizations. You are also fully aware of its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage in various English-speaking cultures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

appetites in 30 Seconds

Appetites refers to the plural form of the desire for food or other needs. It suggests a variety of different cravings or a group's collective hunger.
Beyond food, it describes strong psychological drives for things like power, knowledge, and risk. It is a common term in business and social analysis.
The word is often paired with adjectives like 'insatiable' or 'voracious' to show intensity. It is almost always followed by the preposition 'for'.
In formal English, using 'appetites' adds a layer of sophistication, implying that a desire is a fundamental and recurring part of human nature.

The word appetites is the plural form of appetite, a term that fundamentally describes a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, most commonly the need for food. However, as one progresses into the B2 level of English proficiency, it is crucial to understand that 'appetites' frequently transcends the physical realm of hunger. It is used to describe strong, often recurring, psychological or emotional desires for various experiences, objects, or states of being. When we speak of appetites in the plural, we are often referring to the complex and multifaceted nature of human wanting—the idea that a person does not just have one single desire, but a collection of different drives that motivate their behavior across different domains of life.

Biological Context: In its most literal sense, appetites refer to the physical sensations of hunger and the desire to consume food. Doctors might discuss a patient's 'changing appetites' if they are experiencing fluctuations in their interest in eating due to illness or medication.

After the long hike through the mountains, the group arrived at the lodge with ravenous appetites, ready to devour anything on the menu.

Beyond the dinner table, 'appetites' serves as a powerful metaphor for ambition and greed. In the world of finance or politics, you will often hear about 'investor appetites' or 'political appetites.' This usage suggests that the desire for profit or power is similar to a physical hunger—it is something that needs to be 'fed' or 'satisfied.' For instance, a market with high appetites for risk indicates that investors are eager to put their money into volatile assets in hopes of high returns. This plural usage highlights that these desires are not just a single instance of wanting, but a sustained characteristic of a group or an individual's personality.

Intellectual and Emotional Context: We also use the word to describe a thirst for knowledge or a craving for excitement. A student might have 'insatiable appetites for reading,' meaning they can never get enough books. This implies a deep-seated passion that goes beyond a simple hobby.

The philosopher's appetites for truth led him to question every established norm of his society.

In social and cultural commentary, 'appetites' can describe the collective desires of a population. For example, a journalist might write about the 'public's appetites for scandal,' referring to the way audiences constantly seek out and consume news about the private lives of celebrities. Here, the word takes on a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of control or a focus on superficial or base desires. Understanding these nuances allows a speaker to use the word not just to talk about lunch, but to analyze human nature and societal trends.

Modern consumers have developed massive appetites for digital content, spending hours each day scrolling through social media feeds.

Abstract Desires: The term is frequently found in literature to describe complex characters with conflicting drives. A character might struggle between their appetites for peace and their appetites for revenge, illustrating an internal battle between different parts of their psyche.

The king's various appetites—for territory, for gold, and for legacy—eventually led his kingdom into a ruinous war.

Despite their differences, the two rivals shared similar appetites for competition and excellence.

In summary, 'appetites' is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between the physical and the metaphysical. Whether you are describing a group of hungry teenagers, a venture capitalist looking for the next big thing, or a society obsessed with entertainment, this word provides a sophisticated way to discuss the driving forces behind human action. It implies a certain intensity and a recurring nature, suggesting that these desires are a fundamental part of who we are as biological and social beings.

Using the word appetites correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and the typical adjectives and prepositions that accompany it. Because it refers to desires, it is often modified by adjectives that describe the intensity or the specific nature of those desires. Common adjectives include 'insatiable,' 'voracious,' 'healthy,' 'diminished,' or 'growing.' These modifiers help to paint a clearer picture of how strong the 'hunger' is, whether it is for food or for something more abstract like power or knowledge.

Adjective Pairings: Adjectives like 'insatiable' (impossible to satisfy) or 'voracious' (wanting great quantities) are frequently used with appetites to emphasize an extreme level of desire.

The young entrepreneur had an insatiable appetite for success, working eighteen hours a day to build her company.

When constructing sentences with 'appetites,' pay close attention to the preposition 'for.' This is the most common way to link the desire to its object. You might have appetites for destruction, appetites for change, or appetites for adventure. In more formal or academic writing, you might see 'appetites' used as the subject of a sentence to describe a general trend. For example, 'Public appetites for traditional media have declined as digital platforms have become more accessible.' This structure treats the collective desire as a measurable force that can rise or fall.

Verb Collocations: Verbs like 'whet,' 'satisfy,' 'curb,' 'stimulate,' and 'sate' are commonly used with appetites. To 'whet' an appetite means to increase it, while to 'sate' or 'satisfy' it means to give it what it wants.

The teaser trailer was designed to whet the audience's appetites for the upcoming blockbuster movie.

In professional contexts, specifically in finance, the phrase 'risk appetites' is a standard term. It refers to the level of risk an organization or individual is willing to accept in pursuit of their objectives. You might say, 'The board of directors reviewed the company's risk appetites before approving the new investment strategy.' Here, the plural form is used because the company likely has different levels of tolerance for different types of risk (e.g., financial risk, reputational risk, operational risk). This demonstrates how the word can be used with precision in specialized fields.

The central bank's decision to raise interest rates was an attempt to curb the market's excessive appetites for speculative borrowing.

Describing Variety: Using the plural form allows you to describe a person with many different interests. 'His varied appetites—from classical music to extreme sports—made him a fascinating person to talk to.'

Travelers with adventurous appetites will find much to enjoy in the diverse street food scene of Bangkok.

The documentary explored the human appetites for both connection and solitude.

Finally, consider the tone of your sentence. 'Appetites' can sound more sophisticated than 'wants' or 'desires.' In a formal essay, writing 'The colonial powers had vast appetites for new territories' sounds more analytical and historical than 'The colonial powers wanted more land.' By choosing 'appetites,' you evoke the idea of a deep, almost biological drive that shaped historical events. This level of word choice is a hallmark of the B2 and C1 levels, where you begin to select vocabulary based on the specific 'flavor' or connotation it brings to your writing.

You will encounter the word appetites in a surprisingly wide range of environments, from the casual setting of a dinner party to the high-stakes world of international finance. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it is used and apply it correctly in your own speech. One of the most common places to hear it is in the media, particularly in journalism that analyzes consumer behavior or political trends. News anchors might discuss the 'growing appetites' of the public for sustainable products, or a political commentator might analyze the 'appetites for reform' within a particular government.

Financial News and Reports: In business segments, 'risk appetites' is a ubiquitous term. Analysts use it to describe whether investors are feeling brave or cautious about the stock market.

Market analysts noted that global appetites for tech stocks have cooled significantly over the last quarter.

Another common setting is in the world of food and hospitality. While 'appetite' (singular) is used to ask someone if they are hungry, 'appetites' (plural) is often used by chefs, food critics, or hosts when talking about a group of people. A chef might say, 'I've prepared a variety of dishes to satisfy all your different appetites.' This acknowledges that different guests might have different preferences or levels of hunger. In food writing, you might read about 'the city's growing appetites for fusion cuisine,' which describes a cultural trend rather than a specific meal.

Literature and Film Reviews: Critics often use the word to describe the themes of a movie or book. They might talk about a character's 'dark appetites' or a film's 'appetites for visual spectacle.'

The novel explores the destructive appetites of the 1920s upper class, focusing on their pursuit of pleasure at any cost.

In health and wellness contexts, you might hear the word used in a more clinical but still plural sense. A nutritionist might talk about how certain hormones regulate our 'appetites for sugar and fats.' This usage highlights the biological complexity of hunger, suggesting that we don't just have one 'hunger' but different cravings for different types of nutrients. Similarly, in psychology, a therapist might discuss a patient's 'appetites for validation' or 'appetites for control,' treating these emotional needs as fundamental drives that need to be understood and managed.

Researchers are studying how lack of sleep can increase our appetites for high-calorie, processed foods.

Educational Settings: Teachers often use the word to encourage students. A professor might say, 'I hope this course whets your appetites for further research into the field of linguistics.'

The museum's interactive exhibits are designed to satisfy the appetites of curious children and adults alike.

The podcast host discussed how the industrial revolution created new appetites for consumer goods that had never existed before.

Finally, you might hear 'appetites' in casual conversation when people are talking about their hobbies or interests in a slightly hyperbolic way. Someone might say, 'I have such appetites for travel that I'm already planning my next three trips!' This usage is friendly and expressive, showing a zest for life. Whether in a formal report or a chat with a friend, 'appetites' is a word that conveys a sense of deep, driving interest and the varied nature of human desire.

While appetites is a useful word, it is easy to misuse, especially when deciding between the singular and plural forms or when confusing it with similar-sounding words. One of the most common errors is using the plural 'appetites' when the singular 'appetite' is more appropriate. Generally, if you are talking about one person's physical hunger for a specific meal, you should use the singular. For example, 'I have a big appetite today' is correct, whereas 'I have big appetites today' sounds strange unless you are referring to multiple different types of cravings (e.g., for food, for sleep, and for quiet).

Singular vs. Plural Confusion: Mistake: 'The child has many appetites for candy.' Correct: 'The child has a strong appetite for candy.' Use the plural when referring to a variety of different desires or a group of people.

Incorrect: He lost his appetites after hearing the bad news. (Unless he lost his desire for food, work, and hobbies simultaneously, use 'appetite').

Another common mistake is confusing 'appetites' with 'appeals' or 'applications.' While they all start with 'app-', they have very different meanings. An 'appeal' is a request for help or a quality that makes something attractive. An 'application' is a formal request or a piece of software. If you say, 'The movie has great appetites,' people will be confused. You likely mean 'The movie has great appeal.' Similarly, don't confuse it with 'appetizers,' which are the small dishes served before a main meal. You 'eat appetizers' to 'whet your appetite.'

Preposition Errors: Mistake: 'She has an appetite of learning.' Correct: 'She has an appetite for learning.' The preposition 'for' is almost always the correct choice when linking the desire to its object.

Incorrect: Their appetites about risk were very high. Correct: Their appetites for risk were very high.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the intensity of the word. 'Appetites' usually implies a strong, driving desire. Using it for very minor or fleeting preferences can sound overly dramatic. For example, saying 'I have an appetite for a glass of water' is a bit much; 'I'm thirsty' or 'I'd like some water' is better. Reserve 'appetites' for more significant cravings or long-term desires. Additionally, be careful with the word 'insatiable.' While it is a common collocation, it is a very strong word. If you say someone has an 'insatiable appetite for power,' you are suggesting they are potentially dangerous or obsessive.

Mistake: I have an appetite to go to the bathroom. (This is incorrect; appetite is for desires like food or success, not basic bodily functions like elimination).

Spelling and Pronunciation: Spelling 'appetite' with two 'p's and one 't' is correct. Some learners mistakenly add a second 't' (appettite). In terms of pronunciation, ensure the stress is on the first syllable: AP-pe-tites.

Correct Spelling: Appetites. Incorrect Spelling: Appetights, Appettites, Apetites.

Finally, avoid using 'appetites' as a verb. While you can 'appetize' something (though this is rare and usually refers to making food look good), 'appetite' itself is strictly a noun. You cannot 'appetite for a burger.' You 'have an appetite for a burger.' Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you use the word with the precision and sophistication expected at the B2 level and beyond.

The English language offers many synonyms for appetites, each with its own subtle nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about food, ambition, or a general feeling of wanting. Understanding these alternatives will help you avoid repetition and make your writing more precise. The most direct synonyms are 'desires,' 'cravings,' and 'longings,' but each carries a different emotional weight and is used in different contexts.

Appetites vs. Desires: 'Desires' is the most general term. While 'appetites' often suggests a biological or deep-seated drive, 'desires' can be more intellectual or fleeting. You might have a 'desire' to see a movie, but an 'appetite' for adventure.

While his appetites were for wealth, his secret desire was simply to be loved.

'Cravings' is a word usually reserved for specific, intense desires, often for food or substances. You have a 'craving' for chocolate or a 'craving' for nicotine. 'Appetites' is broader and more sustainable. You might have a general 'appetite' for sweets, which leads to specific 'cravings' throughout the day. In a metaphorical sense, 'cravings' suggests a more urgent, almost uncontrollable need than 'appetites.' Another alternative is 'hunger,' which can be used literally or figuratively. 'A hunger for power' is very similar to 'an appetite for power,' but 'hunger' often sounds more desperate and visceral.

Appetites vs. Inclinations: 'Inclinations' refers to a person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way. It is much milder than 'appetites.' You might have an 'inclination' toward the arts, but an 'appetite' for creative expression implies a much stronger drive.

The CEO's appetites for expansion far exceeded his board's conservative inclinations.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might use 'yearnings' or 'hankerings.' 'Yearnings' suggests a tender, often sad or nostalgic desire for something that is far away or unattainable. 'Hankerings' is a more informal, slightly old-fashioned word for a persistent craving. For example, 'He had a hankering for the simple life of his childhood.' Neither of these words carries the same 'biological' or 'market-driven' connotations that 'appetites' does. Finally, 'predilections' is a very formal word meaning a preference or special liking for something. It is often used to describe someone's taste in art, literature, or behavior.

Despite his appetites for modern technology, he maintained a predilection for fountain pens and handwritten letters.

Summary Table of Alternatives

Desires: General, can be intellectual.
Cravings: Intense, specific, often physical.
Hunger: Desperate, visceral, very strong.
Inclinations: Mild tendencies or preferences.
Predilections: Formal, refers to specific tastes.

The public's appetites for news are often satisfied by social media, though their hunger for truth remains unfulfilled.

By mastering these synonyms, you can choose the word that fits the exact 'temperature' and 'formality' of your message. 'Appetites' remains a unique and powerful choice because it combines the idea of a physical need with the complexity of human ambition and interest, making it an essential part of a high-level English vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word originally referred to any kind of desire or inclination, not just food. It wasn't until the 14th century that it became strongly associated with hunger.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈæp.ə.taɪts/

US /ˈæp.ə.taɪts/

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

Rhymes With

heights lights nights sights fights bites kites rights

Common Errors

Stressing the second syllable (ap-PE-tites).
Pronouncing the 'i' as a short 'i' (like 'it').
Missing the 's' sound at the end.
Adding an extra 't' sound (appetights).
Pronouncing the 'p' sounds too softly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to understand in context of food, harder in metaphorical business contexts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of correct prepositions and collocations.

Speaking 3/5

Common enough to hear, but needs practice to use naturally.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'appetizers'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hungry want food desire interest

Learn Next

insatiable voracious satisfy ambition tolerance

Advanced

concupiscence predilection avidity rapacity

Grammar to Know

Pluralization of abstract nouns

We use 'appetites' to show variety in desires.

Prepositional phrases with 'for'

Appetite for, desire for, hunger for.

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns

Their appetites are (not is) growing.

Using adjectives to modify intensity

A 'keen' appetite vs a 'dull' appetite.

Gerunds after 'for'

An appetite for learning (learning is a gerund).

Examples by Level

I have a big appetite for breakfast.

Tengo mucha hambre para el desayuno.

Singular noun 'appetite' used with 'have'.

The baby has a small appetite.

El bebé tiene poco apetito.

Singular noun with 'has'.

Do you have an appetite?

¿Tienes hambre?

Question form with 'do'.

I have no appetite when I am sick.

No tengo apetito cuando estoy enfermo.

Negative 'no appetite'.

Apples are good for your appetite.

Las manzanas son buenas para tu apetito.

Preposition 'for' used with appetite.

He has a healthy appetite.

Él tiene un apetito saludable.

Adjective 'healthy' modifying appetite.

My appetite is gone.

Mi apetito se ha ido.

Subject 'appetite' with verb 'is'.

They have big appetites for pizza.

Ellos tienen mucha hambre de pizza.

Plural 'appetites' for a group of people.

The long walk gave us all great appetites.

La larga caminata nos dio a todos mucho apetito.

Plural 'appetites' for 'us all'.

She has a very large appetite for such a small person.

Ella tiene un apetito muy grande para ser una persona tan pequeña.

Comparison using 'for such a...'.

We need to satisfy our appetites before the movie.

Necesitamos satisfacer nuestro apetito antes de la película.

Verb 'satisfy' with plural 'appetites'.

The smell of fresh bread stimulates my appetite.

El olor a pan recién horneado estimula mi apetito.

Verb 'stimulates' with singular 'appetite'.

Children usually have bigger appetites in the summer.

Los niños suelen tener más apetito en verano.

Comparative 'bigger' with plural 'appetites'.

I don't have much of an appetite tonight.

No tengo mucho apetito esta noche.

Phrase 'much of an appetite'.

His appetite for sweets is very strong.

Su apetito por los dulces es muy fuerte.

Preposition 'for' linking to 'sweets'.

Exercise is a good way to improve your appetite.

El ejercicio es una buena forma de mejorar tu apetito.

Infinitive 'to improve' modifying appetite.

The documentary whetted my appetite for more history.

El documental me abrió el apetito por más historia.

Idiom 'whet someone's appetite'.

She has a growing appetite for classical music.

Ella tiene un creciente interés por la música clásica.

Metaphorical use for 'interest'.

The travelers had varied appetites for different cultures.

Los viajeros tenían diversos intereses por diferentes culturas.

Plural 'appetites' meaning 'interests'.

He has an insatiable appetite for adventure.

Él tiene un apetito insaciable de aventura.

Adjective 'insatiable' (cannot be satisfied).

The success of the first game increased appetites for a sequel.

El éxito del primer juego aumentó el deseo de una secuela.

Plural 'appetites' as a collective desire.

I hope this small sample whets your appetites for the full course.

Espero que esta pequeña muestra les abra el apetito para el curso completo.

Plural 'appetites' referring to a class of students.

They lost their appetites for the project after the budget cuts.

Perdieron el interés por el proyecto después de los recortes de presupuesto.

Metaphorical use for 'enthusiasm' or 'interest'.

His appetites for reading are quite broad, covering science and fiction.

Sus intereses de lectura son bastante amplios, cubriendo ciencia y ficción.

Plural 'appetites' followed by a clarifying phrase.

Investor appetites for risk have shifted toward safer assets.

El apetito de los inversores por el riesgo se ha desplazado hacia activos más seguros.

Financial context: 'investor appetites'.

The public's appetites for scandal are often fed by the tabloids.

El apetito del público por el escándalo a menudo es alimentado por los tabloides.

Collective noun 'public's appetites'.

The dictator's appetites for power led to his eventual downfall.

El apetito de poder del dictador lo llevó a su eventual caída.

Metaphorical use for 'ambition' or 'greed'.

We must curb our appetites for fossil fuels to protect the planet.

Debemos frenar nuestro consumo de combustibles fósiles para proteger el planeta.

Verb 'curb' meaning to limit or control.

The museum caters to the diverse appetites of art lovers.

El museo satisface los diversos gustos de los amantes del arte.

Verb 'caters to' used with 'appetites'.

The new policy was designed to stimulate consumer appetites.

La nueva política fue diseñada para estimular el deseo de consumo.

Economic context: 'consumer appetites'.

She struggled to balance her appetites for work and family life.

Ella luchó por equilibrar sus deseos de trabajo y vida familiar.

Internal conflict between different 'appetites'.

The film's appetites for visual spectacle sometimes overshadowed the plot.

El deseo de espectáculo visual de la película a veces eclipsaba la trama.

Abstract use referring to a creative work's focus.

The colonial era was driven by the voracious appetites of European empires for new territory.

La era colonial fue impulsada por el apetito voraz de los imperios europeos por nuevos territorios.

Historical context with adjective 'voracious'.

Modernity has created insatiable appetites for instant gratification.

La modernidad ha creado un apetito insaciable por la gratificación instantánea.

Sociological observation.

The novel masterfully depicts the protagonist's conflicting appetites for virtue and vice.

La novela representa magistralmente los deseos conflictivos del protagonista por la virtud y el vicio.

Literary analysis of character motivation.

Central banks monitor risk appetites to ensure financial stability.

Los bancos centrales monitorean el apetito por el riesgo para asegurar la estabilidad financiera.

Technical financial usage.

The artist's appetites for experimentation kept his work fresh for decades.

El deseo de experimentación del artista mantuvo su obra fresca durante décadas.

Positive connotation of 'appetites' as creative drive.

We are seeing a resurgence of appetites for traditional craftsmanship in a digital world.

Estamos viendo un resurgimiento del interés por la artesanía tradicional en un mundo digital.

Noun 'resurgence' used with 'appetites'.

His political appetites were eventually sated by his appointment as ambassador.

Sus ambiciones políticas finalmente se saciaron con su nombramiento como embajador.

Verb 'sated' (fully satisfied).

The report highlights the growing appetites for renewable energy in emerging economies.

El informe destaca el creciente interés por la energía renovable en las economías emergentes.

Formal reporting on global trends.

The philosopher argued that human appetites are the primary drivers of historical change.

El filósofo argumentó que los deseos humanos son los principales impulsores del cambio histórico.

Philosophical discourse.

In the digital age, the appetites of the algorithm often dictate our cultural consumption.

En la era digital, los 'deseos' del algoritmo a menudo dictan nuestro consumo cultural.

Personification of an algorithm.

The poem explores the 'dark appetites' that lurk beneath the surface of polite society.

El poema explora los 'oscuros deseos' que acechan bajo la superficie de la sociedad educada.

Metaphorical and evocative literary use.

The sheer scale of the project was enough to daunt even those with the most robust appetites for challenge.

La magnitud del proyecto fue suficiente para intimidar incluso a aquellos con el deseo más robusto de desafío.

Complex sentence structure with 'daunt' and 'robust'.

There is a profound tension between our biological appetites and our ethical aspirations.

Existe una tensión profunda entre nuestros deseos biológicos y nuestras aspiraciones éticas.

Abstract conceptual pairing.

The market's appetites are notoriously fickle, shifting with the slightest hint of instability.

El apetito del mercado es notoriamente voluble, cambiando con el más mínimo indicio de inestabilidad.

Adjective 'fickle' (changing frequently).

He possessed a polymathic range of appetites, spanning from quantum physics to Renaissance poetry.

Poseía una gama polifacética de intereses, que abarcaba desde la física cuántica hasta la poesía renacentista.

Adjective 'polymathic' (knowledge of many subjects).

The city, with its neon lights and endless noise, seemed to pulse with a thousand different appetites.

La ciudad, con sus luces de neón y ruido interminable, parecía vibrar con mil deseos diferentes.

Evocative, descriptive prose.

Common Collocations

insatiable appetites

risk appetites

whet the appetites

voracious appetites

satisfy appetites

curb appetites

healthy appetites

diminished appetites

growing appetites

varied appetites

Common Phrases

appetite for destruction

— A desire to cause damage or chaos.

The rock band was known for its appetite for destruction.

appetite for risk

— The level of danger one is willing to accept.

Startups require a high appetite for risk.

appetite for change

— A strong desire to see things done differently.

The voters showed a clear appetite for change.

appetite for learning

— A strong interest in gaining new knowledge.

A good student has a lifelong appetite for learning.

appetite for power

— The desire to control others or a situation.

His appetite for power made him many enemies.

appetite for life

— A great enthusiasm for living and experiencing things.

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

appetite for success

— The drive to achieve one's goals.

His appetite for success kept him working late.

appetite for adventure

— The desire to explore and take risks.

They traveled the world to satisfy their appetite for adventure.

appetite for knowledge

— The desire to understand more about the world.

The library is a place for those with an appetite for knowledge.

appetite for gossip

— A desire to hear rumors about other people.

The office had a huge appetite for gossip.

Often Confused With

appetites vs appetizers

Appetizers are the food you eat; appetites are the feeling of hunger.

appetites vs appeals

Appeals are requests or attractions; appetites are internal desires.

appetites vs applications

Applications are forms or software; appetites are cravings.

Idioms & Expressions

"whet someone's appetite"

— To make someone want more of something by giving them a small taste.

The first chapter whetted my appetite for the rest of the book.

neutral

"lose one's appetite"

— To no longer want to eat, often due to bad news or illness.

I lost my appetite after hearing about the accident.

neutral

"spoil one's appetite"

— To eat something small that makes you not hungry for a main meal.

Don't eat that candy; it will spoil your appetite for dinner.

informal

"have an appetite like a horse"

— To regularly eat a very large amount of food.

My brother is thin, but he has an appetite like a horse.

informal

"sate an appetite"

— To completely satisfy a desire or hunger.

Nothing could sate his appetite for revenge.

formal

"work up an appetite"

— To do physical activity so that you become hungry.

Let's go for a swim to work up an appetite.

neutral

"sharpen the appetite"

— To make a desire or hunger even stronger.

The cold air sharpened our appetites for a hot meal.

literary

"insatiable appetite"

— A desire that can never be satisfied.

He has an insatiable appetite for new gadgets.

neutral

"voracious appetite"

— A very large or greedy desire for something.

She has a voracious appetite for historical novels.

neutral

"cloy the appetite"

— To satisfy a desire so much that it becomes unpleasant.

Too much sweetness can cloy the appetite.

literary

Easily Confused

appetites vs Appetite

Singular vs Plural

Use singular for one person's hunger; use plural for multiple people or multiple types of desires.

He has a big appetite. They have big appetites.

appetites vs Hunger

Similar meaning

Hunger is more visceral and can mean the pain of no food; appetite is the desire for food.

His hunger was painful, but his appetite for cake remained.

appetites vs Desire

Similar meaning

Desire is more general; appetite often implies a recurring, almost biological drive.

I desire a new car, but I have an appetite for success.

appetites vs Craving

Similar meaning

A craving is a sudden, specific urge; an appetite is a broader, more consistent drive.

I have a craving for pizza, but a general appetite for Italian food.

appetites vs Ambition

Similar in metaphorical use

Ambition is specifically about success/power; appetite can be about anything (food, risk, etc.).

His ambition was to be CEO; his appetite for work was legendary.

Sentence Patterns

I have a [adjective] appetite.

I have a big appetite.

They have [adjective] appetites.

They have healthy appetites.

It whetted my appetite for [noun].

It whetted my appetite for travel.

[Noun]'s appetites for [noun] are [adjective].

Investor appetites for risk are high.

The [adjective] appetites of [noun] led to [noun].

The voracious appetites of the empire led to war.

There is a tension between [noun] and [noun] appetites.

There is a tension between ethical and biological appetites.

To curb one's appetites for [noun].

He had to curb his appetites for sugar.

Varied appetites for [list].

She has varied appetites for art and science.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English, especially in professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

I have an appetite of chocolate. → I have an appetite for chocolate.
The correct preposition is 'for', not 'of'.
The movie has great appetites. → The movie has great appeal.
Appetite is an internal desire; appeal is an external attraction.
He has many appetites for dinner. → He has a big appetite for dinner.
Use singular 'appetite' for one person's hunger for a single meal.
I am appetiting for success. → I have an appetite for success.
Appetite is a noun, not a verb.
My appettite is small. → My appetite is small.
The word is spelled with one 't' in the middle, not two.

Tips

Use with 'for'

Always remember to use the preposition 'for' after 'appetites' (e.g., appetites for success).

Try 'Voracious'

Pair 'appetites' with 'voracious' to describe someone who wants a huge amount of something.

Risk Management

In a job interview, talking about your 'appetite for challenge' sounds very professional.

Medical Context

If a doctor asks about your 'appetites,' they are asking if your hunger has changed lately.

Abstract Desires

Use 'appetites' to describe things like a 'thirst for knowledge' to sound more sophisticated.

Countable Noun

Treat 'appetites' as a plural noun that needs a plural verb (e.g., 'Appetites are...').

First Syllable

Always put the emphasis on the 'AP' at the beginning of the word.

Avoid Repetition

If you've used 'desire' once, use 'appetite' the next time to keep your writing interesting.

Bon Appétit

Remember that this famous French phrase literally means 'Good Appetite!'

Not 'Appetights'

Be careful with the spelling; there is no 'gh' in appetites.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Apple Pies' - they give you big APPETITES. The 'APP' in Apple and Appetite are the same.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant mouth (the 'A') opening wide to swallow a variety of things: a burger, a book, and a bag of money.

Word Web

Hunger Desire Power Food Risk Knowledge Success Cravings

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'appetites' for three different things: food, a hobby, and a career goal.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'apetit', which came from the Latin 'appetitus'. The Latin root is 'appetere', meaning 'to strive after' or 'to long for'.

Original meaning: A physical desire or a longing for something.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'appetites' to describe groups of people, as it can sometimes sound like you are reducing them to their basic instincts.

The phrase 'whet your appetite' is very common in marketing and teaching.

Appetite for Destruction (Album by Guns N' Roses) The Appetites of the Gods (Literary trope) The Great Appetites (A concept in some philosophical texts)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dining

Bon appétit!
Healthy appetites
Whet the appetite
Satisfy your appetite

Business

Risk appetites
Market appetites
Investor appetites
Consumer appetites

Education

Appetite for learning
Appetite for knowledge
Whet their interest
Intellectual appetites

Politics

Appetite for reform
Appetite for power
Public appetites
Political appetites

Health

Loss of appetite
Diminished appetites
Stimulate the appetite
Appetite suppressant

Conversation Starters

"Do you have a big appetite for trying new and unusual foods?"

"What kind of books or movies whet your appetite for more?"

"How do you think social media affects our appetites for news?"

"Do you have a high appetite for risk when it comes to your career?"

"What are your biggest appetites in life right now?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had an insatiable appetite for a specific hobby or interest.

How have your appetites for different types of food changed as you have gotten older?

Write about a person you know who has a 'voracious appetite for life.' What makes them that way?

Do you think society has too many appetites for material things? Why or why not?

What is one thing that always whets your appetite for travel and exploration?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it starts with food, it is very commonly used for abstract desires like power, knowledge, or risk.

It sounds a bit strange for one person unless you follow it with a list of different things you want.

It means to make you interested in something by giving you a small, exciting piece of it first.

It can be both. It's informal when talking about dinner, but formal when talking about 'risk appetites' in business.

The most direct opposites are 'aversion' (dislike) or 'indifference' (not caring).

It is spelled A-P-P-E-T-I-T-E-S.

It is a business term for how much risk a person or company is willing to take to reach a goal.

No, it is only a noun. You 'have' an appetite, you don't 'appetite' something.

It is a desire that is so strong it can never be fully satisfied.

Yes, an appetizer is a small dish designed to increase your appetite before the main meal.