peckish - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
peckish Word Meanings
- slightly hungry
- having a small appetite
- feeling a mild craving for food
peckish Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
peckish Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpɛkɪʃ/
US
/ˈpɛkɪʃ/
peckish Word Etymology
Root: 'peck' (to eat or nibble) + 'ish' (having the quality of). Historical origin: Middle English, from 'peck' in the sense of eating. Memory image: Imagine a small bird pecking at crumbs, feeling just a bit hungry for more.
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
Peckish is a light way to say you feel somewhat hungry, not ravenous. It suggests a small, pleasant craving for a snack rather than a full stomach. Americans and Britons often use it when they are between meals or deciding what to eat next, sometimes implying a casual, lightly playful mood. It can describe a mild appetite after a long day, or a pre lunch tingle that signals something tasty would hit the spot. The nuance contrasts with simply hungry and with more neutral terms like slightly hungry. People may also say a bit peckish or a touch peckish for extra softness.
Usage Reminders
- - Use peckish for a soft, casual tone
- - Pair with a or a bit or a touch to soften further
- - Do not use in formal writing when you want a precise level of hunger
- - Think of it as between hungry and not hungry at all
- - Practice with between meals and snack contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing peckish with hungry or starving
- Using peckish in formal writing
- Thinking it means you crave a big meal
- Assuming it only fits British English
- Forgetting it can pair with a small snack
Thinking Differences
Peckish is a milder, informal term that English speakers use between meals or during light snack planning. Learners often overuse it in formal writing or assume it covers stronger hunger, hungry, or starving. It also tends to pair with minor snacks rather than meals.
Learning Tips
- Practice with between meals contexts
- Pair with a modifier like a bit or a touch
- Note the tonal softness compared with hungry
- Avoid in formal writing unless describing casual appetite
- Remember it can describe a desire for snacks, not meals
- Listen for native speakers using it in casual conversations
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'peckish' mean?
A.Full or satisfied
B.Slightly hungry
C.Excited or happy
D.Tired or fatigued
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'peckish' correctly?
A.After a big lunch, I felt quite peckish.
B.They were peckish while attending the concert.
C.She was peckish after finishing her homework.
D.He felt peckish right after a large dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'peckish'?
A.Starved
B.Hungry
C.Gluttonous
D.Binge
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'peckish'?
A.Full
B.Starved
C.Unsatisfied
D.Desiring
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of when someone might feel 'peckish'?
A.After eating a heavy breakfast, she felt energetic throughout the day.
B.While watching a movie, he suddenly craved a snack.
C.After a large dinner, they were ready for dessert.
D.Studying late into the night, she realized she was not hungry at all.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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