When someone slavers, it means that saliva, also known as spit, comes out of their mouth. This often happens when a person or an animal is really hungry or very excited about something. For example, a dog might slaver when it sees its food.
The word can also describe a strong, sometimes unpleasant, desire for something, like money or power. It suggests a greedy or overly eager interest. So, slavering can show both a physical reaction and a strong, almost uncontrolled, desire.
§ Introduction to 'Slaver'
The word 'slaver' might not be one you encounter every day, but understanding its nuances can enrich your vocabulary. Classified as a CEFR B1 word, it has both a literal and a more figurative meaning. Let's explore where you might actually hear or read this word – in work, school, or news contexts – and delve into its definitions with examples.
- DEFINITION
- To let saliva run from the mouth, often due to hunger or excitement. It can also describe showing an excessive, greedy, or unseemly interest in something.
§ 'Slaver' in Everyday and General Contexts
While not a word commonly used in polite conversation, 'slaver' often appears in descriptions of animals or in situations where strong, visceral reactions are being conveyed. You might hear it in casual storytelling or see it in creative writing.
The scent of the barbecue made the hungry dogs slaver uncontrollably.
A slaver of drool escaped the sleeping baby's mouth.
In these examples, 'slaver' directly refers to the literal meaning of saliva running from the mouth, often triggered by an external stimulus like food or a strong emotional state.
§ 'Slaver' in Literature and Descriptive Writing
Authors often use 'slaver' to create vivid imagery, especially when depicting characters consumed by intense desire, greed, or even malevolence. Its strong connotations can add significant depth to a description.
- In a fantasy novel: "The dragon looked upon the treasure, its eyes glinting with a greedy slaver."
- In a suspense thriller: "He watched the detective with a predatory slaver in his gaze, eager for any weakness."
§ 'Slaver' in News and Formal Discourse (Less Common)
While 'slaver' is less common in formal news reports or academic texts due to its somewhat informal and evocative nature, it might appear in opinion pieces, cultural critiques, or human-interest stories where a writer aims to convey strong sentiment or a critical view of a situation.
Critics argued that the corporation's decision to exploit the natural resources showed a blatant slaver for profit, disregarding environmental concerns.
Here, 'slaver' is used metaphorically to describe an excessive and perhaps unprincipled desire for financial gain. It suggests a lack of restraint or ethical consideration in the pursuit of wealth.
§ 'Slaver' in Educational Settings
In a school setting, 'slaver' might come up in literature classes when analyzing texts that use descriptive language, or in discussions about human and animal physiology when discussing reflexes or biological responses to stimuli like hunger.
- A biology lesson: "The Pavlovian response observed in dogs caused them to slaver at the sound of a bell."
- A language arts class: "The author's use of 'slaver' in this passage highlights the character's intense craving for power."
§ Conclusion
In summary, 'slaver' is a versatile word with both a literal meaning related to saliva and a figurative meaning denoting intense, often excessive, desire or greed. While you might encounter its literal use when describing animal behavior or strong human reactions, its figurative use is more prevalent in descriptive writing, literature, and sometimes in critical commentary. Recognizing 'slaver' in these contexts will enhance your comprehension and appreciation of expressive language.
How Formal Is It?
"The aroma of the gourmet meal caused the guests to salivate in anticipation."
"The baby began to drool as soon as she saw the bottle."
"My dog tends to slobber all over the floor after he drinks water."
"The toddler would dribble juice down his chin while drinking from a cup."
"He's such a fiend for chocolate; he can't get enough of it."
Examples by Level
The dog began to slaver at the sight of the juicy steak.
The dog began to drool at the sight of the juicy steak.
Here, 'slaver' is used as a verb meaning to let saliva run from the mouth.
He tried not to slaver over the expensive new car in the showroom.
He tried not to show excessive interest in the expensive new car in the showroom.
In this sentence, 'slaver over' means to show excessive desire for something.
The baby would slaver when she saw her bottle coming.
The baby would drool when she saw her bottle coming.
'Slaver' is a verb describing the flow of saliva.
There was a bit of slaver on the child's chin after eating the sweet treat.
There was a bit of drool on the child's chin after eating the sweet treat.
Here, 'slaver' is used as a noun, referring to the saliva itself.
He watched the delicious cake, almost ready to slaver.
He watched the delicious cake, almost ready to drool.
'Slaver' as a verb indicating the physical act of drooling due to desire.
Don't just slaver at the possibilities; go and make them happen!
Don't just show excessive desire for the possibilities; go and make them happen!
This uses 'slaver at' to mean showing intense, perhaps unproductive, desire.
The hungry cat started to slaver as it heard the sound of its food dish.
The hungry cat started to drool as it heard the sound of its food dish.
'Slaver' as a verb, showing a physical reaction to hunger.
The old dog would sometimes slaver a little in its sleep.
The old dog would sometimes drool a little in its sleep.
A simple use of 'slaver' as a verb for involuntary drooling.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
He began to slaver at the sight of the feast.
He started drooling when he saw the large meal.
The dog would slaver whenever it heard the food bag crinkle.
The dog would drool every time it heard the food bag rustle.
Don't slaver over every new gadget; you don't need them all.
Don't show excessive desire for every new device; you don't require all of them.
The crowd began to slaver at the possibility of a free concert.
The crowd started to get excited at the chance of a free concert.
She tried not to slaver when she saw the delicious cake.
She attempted not to drool when she saw the tasty cake.
His eyes would slaver with greed at the mention of money.
His eyes would show excessive desire with greed when money was brought up.
The predator began to slaver as it stalked its prey.
The hunter started to drool as it followed its target.
It's rude to slaver over someone else's possessions.
It's impolite to show excessive desire for things that belong to others.
The children would slaver over the candy display.
The children would show intense desire for the candy exhibition.
He couldn't help but slaver at the thought of winning the lottery.
He couldn't stop himself from getting excited at the idea of winning the lottery.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"to slaver over something"
To show excessive and often greedy desire for something.
He was slavering over the thought of the promotion.
informal"to make one's mouth water"
To cause someone to feel hungry or to desire something strongly.
The smell of freshly baked bread made my mouth water.
neutral"to be drooling over something"
To be very enthusiastic about something, often with a strong desire to have it.
She was drooling over the new sports car.
informal"to have eyes bigger than one's stomach"
To take more food than one can eat, or to desire more than one can handle.
I think I have eyes bigger than my stomach; I can't finish all this food.
informal"to lick one's chops"
To show eager anticipation or pleasure, often in a self-satisfied way.
The lawyer was licking his chops at the prospect of a big settlement.
informal"to be hungry for something"
To have a strong desire or craving for something.
She was hungry for success in her career.
neutral"to be greedy for something"
To have an excessive desire for something, especially wealth or power.
He was greedy for more money and always wanted the best.
neutral"to covet something"
To yearn to possess or have something.
She coveted her neighbor's beautiful garden.
formal"to feast one's eyes on something"
To look at something with great pleasure.
We feasted our eyes on the stunning mountain scenery.
neutral"to be ravenous (for something)"
To be extremely hungry or to have a very strong appetite or desire for something.
After the long hike, I was absolutely ravenous for a good meal.
neutralSentence Patterns
Subject + slaver (intransitive verb)
The dog began to slaver at the sight of the juicy steak.
Subject + slaver + over + something (intransitive verb + prepositional phrase)
He would slaver over every new gadget that came out.
Subject + aux. verb + slaver (intransitive verb with auxiliary)
You shouldn't slaver over wealth so openly.
Subject + slavering + at the mouth (present participle phrase)
The child was slavering at the mouth for the candy.
Subject + verb (said/muttered/etc.) + , 'I'm slavering!' (direct speech)
He looked at the dessert and muttered, 'I'm slavering!'
The + slaver + of + something (noun phrase)
The slaver of the hungry wolf was a fearsome sight.
A + slaver + for + something (noun phrase with prepositional phrase)
There was a distinct slaver for power in his eyes.
Subject + have + a + slaver + for + something (verb phrase with noun)
Many people have a slaver for celebrity gossip.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **slave**r dog, mouth open, **slavery** dripping as it watches its owner eat a juicy steak.
Visual Association
Picture a dog with a long, dripping tongue, eyes wide with anticipation, watching a delicious meal. Or, visualize a greedy person literally drooling over money or possessions.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a scene where someone might 'slaver' over something, using the word in both its literal and figurative senses.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAs a verb, 'slaver' means to let saliva run from the mouth, often due to hunger or excitement. For example, 'The dog began to slaver when it saw the treat.' As a noun, 'slaver' refers to the saliva itself, or sometimes a person who slaver. For instance, 'There was a puddle of slaver on the floor where the puppy had been.'
Yes, it can! While it's often associated with animals, especially dogs, 'slaver' can also be used for humans. It might describe someone literally drooling with desire, or more figuratively, showing excessive greed or unseemly interest in something. For example, 'He would slaver over any opportunity to make money.'
Generally, 'slaver' carries a negative or at least an unappealing connotation. When referring to drooling, it suggests a lack of control or an animalistic quality. When used to describe excessive interest, it implies greed, lust, or an undignified eagerness.
For the act of drooling, synonyms include 'drool,' 'dribble,' and 'salivate.' When referring to showing excessive interest, some synonyms could be 'covet,' 'lust after,' or 'gloat over,' depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
The pronunciation of 'slaver' is /ˈsleɪvər/. It rhymes with words like 'favor' or 'saver'.
The word 'slaver' comes from Middle English, specifically from the word 'slaverin,' which meant to drool. It's related to similar words in Germanic languages.
Certainly! 'The reporters began to slaver over the scandal, eager for any new detail.'
While it's understandable, 'slaver' isn't as common as 'drool' in everyday conversation, especially when referring to saliva. When used to describe excessive interest, it tends to be a bit more formal or literary, though still understood.
Despite the similar spelling, the word 'slaver' (meaning to drool or show excessive interest) is not directly related to the word 'slave' (meaning a person held in bondage). They have different etymological origins.
The word 'slaver' is typically considered to be at a CEFR B1 level. This means that learners at this level should be able to understand and use the word in familiar contexts, though it might not be part of their most frequently used vocabulary.
Test Yourself 36 questions
The dog started to ___ with excitement when it saw its owner.
To 'slaver' means to let saliva run from the mouth, often due to excitement, which fits the context of a dog seeing its owner.
He would ___ over the thought of a delicious meal after a long day.
In this context, 'slaver' refers to showing an excessive or greedy interest in something, like a delicious meal.
The hungry baby began to ___ when it smelled its milk bottle.
Babies often 'slaver' or drool when they are hungry and anticipate feeding.
Some people tend to ___ over wealth and power.
Here, 'slaver' is used to describe an excessive or unseemly interest in wealth and power.
The thought of winning the lottery made him ___ with anticipation.
To 'slaver' can mean to show intense excitement or anticipation, even if not literally drooling.
The chef watched the customers ___ over his new dessert.
Customers might 'slaver' over a delicious dessert, meaning they show intense desire and appreciation for it.
The aroma of freshly baked bread made the hungry child ___.
To 'slaver' or 'drool' means to let saliva run from the mouth, often due to hunger or excitement, which fits the context of smelling freshly baked bread.
He would often ___ over the expensive sports cars displayed in the showroom, dreaming of owning one.
To 'slaver' can also mean to show an excessive, greedy, or unseemly interest in something, which aligns with his strong desire for the expensive cars.
The prospect of a huge bonus made the employees ___ with anticipation.
The excitement and strong desire for a bonus can be described as 'slavering' with anticipation, indicating an eager and possibly greedy interest.
Despite his attempts to remain composed, a little bit of ___ escaped the corner of his mouth when he saw the feast.
This refers to the literal meaning of 'slaver' as saliva running from the mouth due to hunger or excitement at the sight of food.
The reporters seemed to ___ over every detail of the scandal, hoping for a sensational headline.
Here, 'slaver' is used to convey the reporters' excessive and perhaps unseemly eagerness or greed for information about the scandal.
The dog began to ___ when its owner held up a treat, eagerly awaiting it.
Dogs commonly 'slaver' or drool when anticipating food, which perfectly matches the scenario of a dog seeing a treat.
The word describes the dog's reaction to the smell of food.
Here, 'slaver' refers to an intense longing or desire.
The word describes the investors' eager reaction to a promising opportunity.
Read this aloud:
He began to slaver at the thought of winning the lottery.
Focus: slaver
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Read this aloud:
The hungry child could not help but slaver at the sight of the ice cream.
Focus: slaver
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Read this aloud:
She tried to suppress the urge to slaver over the designer handbag.
Focus: slaver
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Imagine a situation where someone might literally 'slaver' over something. Describe the scene, focusing on the sensory details and the emotional state of the person. Use at least 75 words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The aroma of roasted lamb wafted from the kitchen, a rich, savory scent that made John's stomach clench with an almost primal hunger. He found himself unconsciously licking his lips, his mouth beginning to water profusely. A thick string of saliva escaped the corner of his mouth, glistening in the dim light of the hallway. He felt an intense, undeniable craving, his eyes fixed on the kitchen door with an almost predatory glint. The anticipation was agonizing, a physical ache that overshadowed all other thoughts.
Write a short paragraph about a character who 'slavers' over a non-food item, indicating an unseemly interest. Describe their motivations and the impact of their behavior on others. Use at least 80 words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mr. Henderson, a man notorious for his insatiable greed, would practically slaver over any mention of the new company's impending merger. His eyes would gleam with an unsettling intensity, and he'd rub his hands together, muttering about potential profits. This unseemly interest in financial gain, often at the expense of others, made his colleagues deeply uncomfortable. His blatant avarice, though never fully expressed in words, was evident in every predatory glance and every calculating question he posed, creating an atmosphere of distrust and unease.
You are writing a review of a new restaurant. Describe one of the dishes in such a way that the reader would almost 'slaver' at the thought of eating it. Focus on vivid descriptions and evocative language. Use at least 60 words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The chef's signature slow-roasted duck arrived, its skin lacquered to a perfect, glistening mahogany, promising an incredible crispness. A cloud of rosemary and garlic香气 wafted upwards, instantly making my senses tingle. Beneath the golden exterior, the meat was incredibly tender, practically melting off the bone. Each bite was a symphony of rich, savory flavors that left me practically slavering for the next, an utterly delectable experience that I wouldn't hesitate to relive.
What does the passage suggest about the antique dealer's interest in rare finds?
Read this passage:
The antique dealer, a man known for his discerning eye and ruthless business practices, would practically slaver over rare finds. His face, usually a mask of indifference, would transform as he carefully examined a previously unseen artifact. His hands would tremble slightly, and a faint flush would appear on his cheeks, betraying an almost desperate desire to acquire the piece for his collection. This uncharacteristic display of raw greed often unnerved sellers.
What does the passage suggest about the antique dealer's interest in rare finds?
The passage states he would 'practically slaver over rare finds' and describes his 'unprecedented display of raw greed,' indicating an unseemly passion.
The passage states he would 'practically slaver over rare finds' and describes his 'unprecedented display of raw greed,' indicating an unseemly passion.
What is the primary characteristic the word 'slaver' highlights in this context?
Read this passage:
During the intense negotiation, the corporate raider's eyes would dart between the financial reports and the rival CEO, a subtle but unmistakable glint of avarice in their depths. He seemed to literally slaver at the prospect of the hostile takeover, every word he spoke calculated to weaken his opponent and pave the way for his own financial gain. His aggressive posture and thinly veiled hunger for control made the atmosphere in the boardroom thick with tension.
What is the primary characteristic the word 'slaver' highlights in this context?
The passage links 'slaver' with 'glint of avarice,' 'hostile takeover,' and 'hunger for control,' all pointing to an intense desire for financial control.
The passage links 'slaver' with 'glint of avarice,' 'hostile takeover,' and 'hunger for control,' all pointing to an intense desire for financial control.
What emotion is primarily associated with the children's reaction to the bread?
Read this passage:
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery, a warm, yeasty invitation that was almost impossible to resist. Children passing by would often stop, their noses twitching, some of them literally beginning to slaver at the delicious aroma. Their parents would often have to drag them away, promising a treat later, as the temptation was simply too strong to ignore for long.
What emotion is primarily associated with the children's reaction to the bread?
The passage mentions 'literally beginning to slaver at the delicious aroma' and 'temptation was simply too strong,' indicating intense hunger and desire.
The passage mentions 'literally beginning to slaver at the delicious aroma' and 'temptation was simply too strong,' indicating intense hunger and desire.
This sentence uses 'slaver over' to indicate an excessive, greedy interest in something, which aligns with the C1 level understanding of nuanced vocabulary.
This sentence uses 'slaver' in its literal sense, referring to saliva running from the mouth due to excitement or anticipation, presented in a C1 level sentence structure.
This sentence uses 'slaver' to describe an unseemly or excessive interest, adding complexity with the word 'disconcerting' suitable for a C1 level.
Listen for the sound of anticipation from the dog.
Consider the figurative use of 'slaver' in this context.
The sentence implies a suppression of intense desire.
Read this aloud:
He couldn't help but slaver over the prospect of such a lucrative deal.
Focus: slaver
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Read this aloud:
The politician's speech seemed to make some audience members slaver with fervent admiration.
Focus: fervent admiration
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Read this aloud:
Despite her attempts to appear nonchalant, a hint of slavering desire for the antique painting was evident.
Focus: nonchalant, slavering desire
You said:
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/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
