ravenous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ravenous Word Meanings
- extremely hungry
- having a huge appetite
- greedy for something
ravenous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ravenous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈrævənəs/
US
/ˈrævənəs/
ravenous Word Etymology
a) 'ravenous' comes from the root 'raven', meaning to devour; b) Originated from Latin 'rapere' (to seize), through Old French 'raviner' before entering English; c) Imagine a wolf after a long hunt, eyes wide, fiercely eager to feast. This vivid hunger connects to the intense desire in the word's meaning.
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
Ravenous describes an extreme level of hunger or appetite, often used figuratively for intense desire beyond food, such as a ravenous curiosity or a ravenous pursuit of success. It conveys heat, urgency, and even aggressiveness, stronger than simply hungry or eager. The word traces back to the image of a predator devouring a meal, reinforcing a sense of insatiable drive. In usage, you can say 'a ravenous appetite' for food, 'ravenous for knowledge' to stress a consuming enthusiasm. Learners should note the tone is vivid, sometimes hyperbolic, and is more forceful than milder synonyms like hungry or greedy.
Usage Reminders
- Ravenous is stronger than merely hungry; use when intensity matters. Usually describes appetite for food or for something non-food with ferocious drive. Collocates: ravenous appetite, ravenous for more, ravenous reader. Avoid using ravenous for small cravings; it's not appropriate for mild hunger. Tone can be dramatic or literary; in casual writing, 'very hungry' or 'greedy' may fit better.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking ravenous for merely very hungry in all contexts.
- Thinking it only describes food hunger and not other desires.
- Using it for small cravings or temporary interests.
- Confusing with 'voracious' in casual writing, or using it with people as a moral judgment.
- Overusing it in informal speech where milder words fit better.
Thinking Differences
English speakers hear ravenous as an intense, almost visceral descriptor. It’s common in both food and non-food contexts, but it carries a dramatic, sometimes theatrical tone that can seem exaggerating to non-native learners.
Learning Tips
- Compare with hungry, starving, voracious to feel nuances.
- Use with a clear object: ravenous for knowledge, ravenous for more.
- Note the tone: literary or dramatic; reserve for vivid writing.
- Pair with nouns: appetite, reader, curiosity, appetite for more.
- Avoid referring to people as ravenous in casual speech; it’s strong.
- Practice metaphorical uses in different domains (food, knowledge, ambition).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'ravenous' mean?
A.Very angry
B.Very hungry
C.Very happy
D.Very sleepy
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'ravenous' correctly.
A.The ravenous cat sat on the windowsill.
B.He was ravenous to learn more about chemistry.
C.She felt ravenous as she finished her workout.
D.The cake looked ravenous and delicious.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which synonym best relates to 'ravenous'?
A.Excited
B.Silent
C.Starving
D.Calm
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'ravenous'?
A.Hungry
B.Full
C.Eager
D.Excited
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might feel 'ravenous'?
A.He just completed a difficult exam and looked very content.
B.After running a marathon, she felt famished and wanted to eat.
C.After a long day of work, they were really energized to go out for dinner.
D.During a cooking class, she felt ravenous for new recipes.
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