hungry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hungry Word Meanings
- feeling the need for food
- having a strong desire for something
- wanting or craving something
hungry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hungry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhʌŋɡri/
US
/ˈhʌŋɡri/
hungry Word Etymology
hungry = hung- (root related to hunger) + -ry (suffix indicating condition). Origin: Old English 'hungrig' → Middle English 'hungry'. Memory image: Imagine a person with an empty plate, looking around longingly for food, representing both the physical state and emotional craving.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean forward and push the chair a little back, listening to my stomach rumble. A small shift in attention happens as I decide what to do next, turning the aim from work to food. I adjust my plan, set my jaw a touch firmer, and keep the pace steady as I move toward the kitchen. The hunger feels like a growing push and pull inside, and with that decision I know I'll act on it, letting the need guide my next move.
Real Context
Hungry describes the physical need for food, but it also captures a strong, sometimes urgent desire for something else, such as knowledge or success. In everyday English, you can say 'I'm hungry' after skipped meals, but you can also say 'hungry for' plus a noun to express craving, like 'hungry for more information' or 'hungry for victory.' Learners should note that 'hungry' is an adjective; the noun form is 'hunger.' The metaphor is common across cultures, but intensity terms like 'starving' or 'famished' carry stronger degrees. The etymology traces back to Old English 'hungrig,' linked to hunger rather than to a simple absence of food. Memory cue: picture a person with an empty plate scanning the room, showing both need and desire.
Usage Reminders
- • Use hungry for with a concrete noun (hungry for knowledge)
- • Compare with starving for stronger emphasis
- • Remember hunger is the related noun, not a form of the verb
- • Avoid saying 'hungry' for abstract states without 'for' (not hungry for fun in all contexts)
- • Distinguish idioms like 'hungry for success' from literal food statements
Common Misconceptions
- Hungry only means you want to eat.
- Hungry always implies a lack of food at the moment.
- You can say 'I am hungry' for any desire without 'for'.
- Hungry is the same as angry or upset.
- All extreme hunger uses 'starving' in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often distinguish hungry as a general state of needing food from the broader metaphor of appetite for knowledge, success, or experiences; learners should beware that hungry for X requires for before a noun and isn’t interchangeable with hungry alone in abstract contexts.
Learning Tips
- Practice collocations: hungry for knowledge, hungry for success, hungry for more information.
- Compare with stronger terms: hungry vs starving vs famished to convey intensity.
- Learn the noun hunger and the phrase 'feel hungry' for physical hunger.
- Use memory cues: imagine an empty plate to trigger both physical need and desire.
- Record short sentences to reinforce when to use for + noun.
- Watch true-to-life examples in conversations, not just dictionaries.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hungry' correctly?
A.I ate so much I'm still hungry.
B.I ate so much I'm thirsty.
C.I ate so much I'm tired.
D.I ate so much I'm full.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hungry'?
A.Angry
B.Starving
C.Excited
D.Brave
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hungry'?
A.Full
B.Tired
C.Thirsty
D.Calm
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of feeling 'hungry'?
A.The feeling of being sleepy in the morning.
B.The feeling after eating a big meal.
C.The feeling of excitement before a concert.
D.The feeling of being relaxed on a sunny day.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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