voracious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
voracious Word Meanings
- having a great appetite; eager to devour
- enthusiastically engaged in an activity
- excessively greedy or ravenous
voracious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
voracious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/vəˈreɪ.ʃəs/
US
/vəˈreɪ.ʃəs/
voracious Word Etymology
voracious = vor- (to devour) + -acious (having the quality of); Latin vorax -> Old French vorace -> English voracious. Imagine a giant hungry monster eagerly devouring everything in sight, illustrating extreme 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
Voracious describes a hunger or eagerness that feels insatiable. It can refer to physical appetite, such as eating a lot and quickly, but it is frequently used figuratively to describe a strong, relentless pursuit of knowledge, experience, or activity. The word conveys intensity without moral judgment, though it can sound extreme if overused. A voracious reader, a voracious learner, or a voracious consumer of media all share that same forceful energy. The noun form is voracity, and the adjective tends to pair with concrete nouns for natural phrasing. In practice, you’ll often see voracious used about people, not emotions, to emphasize drive and perseverance.
Usage Reminders
- Use voracious to describe intense appetite or intense enthusiasm for an activity.
- Common collocations include voracious appetite, voracious reader, voracious learner, and voracious consumer.
- It is an adjective and should modify a noun phrase (not used as a stand-alone noun).
- It conveys a sense of insatiability and strong, relentless energy.
- Pair it with concrete nouns for natural English; avoid applying it to mild or casual interest.
Common Misconceptions
- It means greedy in all contexts or is about material greed only.
- It can be used as a noun (the voracious).
- It describes mild or casual interest rather than intense drive.
- It only applies to eating or food, not activities or knowledge.
- It automatically carries a positive tone in every context.
Thinking Differences
In English, voracious signals extreme intensity that can be literal (hunger) or figurative (ambition). Learners may overgeneralize or assume it always has a positive Robin Hood vibe; it can feel exaggerated with abstract activities.
Learning Tips
- Create a short chart of contexts (eating, reading, learning, consumption) to visualize collocations.
- Compare with fanatic, insatiable, eager to see subtle differences.
- Practice with both literal and metaphorical sentences.
- Listen for tone: is the sentence playful or serious?
- Use with concrete nouns first to sound natural.
- Avoid overusing in formal writing; reserve for emphasis.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'voracious'?
A.Tired
B.Thirsty
C.Hungry
D.Happy
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'voracious' correctly?
A.She was voracious after a long nap.
B.Their voracious laughter echoed in the room.
C.He felt voracious after drinking water.
D.The voracious book was captivating.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'voracious'?
A.Content
B.Moderate
C.Ravenous
D.Joyful
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'voracious'?
A.Hungry
B.Full
C.Thirsty
D.Eager
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone be described as 'voracious'?
A.Taking a leisurely stroll in the park
B.Eating a huge meal after fasting
C.Watching a movie with friends
D.Reading a book on a lazy afternoon
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