famine - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
famine Word Meanings
- severe food scarcity
- widespread hunger
- extreme shortage of nourishment
famine Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
famine Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfæm.ɪn/
US
/ˈfæm.ɪn/
famine Word Etymology
famine = fam- (from 'fame', meaning 'to hunger') + -ine (forming nouns) -> Latin 'fames' (hunger) → Old French 'famine' → English. Imagine a barren landscape with empty bowls and hollow stomachs, representing the emptiness of hunger.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Famine is the extreme scarcity of food that affects a large population, usually resulting from a combination of drought, war, failed harvests, and economic or political instability. It goes beyond ordinary hunger, causing widespread malnutrition, illness, displacement, and death. In history, famines have reshaped societies, from the Irish famine to the Ethiopian crisis. Today the word is used for long lasting, severe shortages rather than a single family skipping a meal. In common usage, you might hear about famine-stricken regions, famine relief efforts, or international responses to alleviate such catastrophes. Remember that famine emphasizes scale and duration, not just a lack of a single meal.
Usage Reminders
- Famine refers to extreme, large-scale food scarcity; not a personal hunger.
- Distinguish famine from hunger or starvation; famine is about region, duration, and impact.
- Common collocations: famine relief, famine-stricken, drought-induced famine.
- Use with adjectives like severe, widespread, chronic.
- Famine is a noun; you can say 'to suffer famine' or 'famine-stricken' people/areas.
Common Misconceptions
- Famine is not just hunger; it is large-scale, long-lasting lack of food.
- Famine is not used for a single family skipping a meal.
- Avoid using famine to describe a temporary shortage of a specific food.
- Confusion with 'famous' due to the similar root; famine refers to hunger, fame refers to reputation.
- Famine often appears with terms like famine relief or famine-stricken areas, not casual descriptions.
Thinking Differences
Famine is a term used for large-scale, long-lasting food crises. Learners often confuse it with mere hunger or with temporary shortages of a specific item. Focus on context cues like region, duration, and humanitarian response.
Learning Tips
- Practice the pronunciation: /ˈfæmɪn/.
- Distinguish famine from hunger and starvation in both meaning and usage.
- Learn common collocations: famine relief, famine-stricken, famine-era.
- Study historical examples to see how the term is used in context.
- Write sentences comparing famine with regional crises or relief efforts.
- Avoid overusing famine in casual talk; reserve it for large-scale crises.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'famine'?
A.A situation of abundance
B.A shortage of food
C.A hot and dry climate
D.A type of dance
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'famine' used correctly?
A.The famine in the region caused widespread starvation.
B.I had a delicious meal last night, it was a famine.
C.The farmers rejoiced at the abundance of crops, ending the famine.
D.The famine of events left him feeling bored.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is an antonym of 'famine'?
A.Drought
B.Hunger
C.Scarcity
D.Plenty
Step 4: Opposite Words
How does the word 'famine' apply in real-world situations?
A.Famine is a fictional concept.
B.Famine is a common occurrence in urban areas.
C.Famine only affects wealthy nations.
D.During times of war or natural disaster, famine can occur.
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on the importance and severity of 'famine' in society.
A.Consequences of famine can be devastating, leading to loss of lives.
B.Famine is a minor issue that does not impact society significantly.
C.Famine is a problem that can easily be solved.
D.Famine is a myth exaggerated by the media.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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