Craving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
craving
[หkreษชvษชล ]
Definitions
strong desire for something
Craving is a strong feeling of wanting something very much. It can be a desire for a specific type of food, a particular experience, or even an emotion.
Synonyms
desire, hunger, longing, urge.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| craving |
Typically used to describe a strong desire for food or specific substances. It often implies a sudden and intense need.
|
| desire |
A broad term used for wanting something or someone, often associated with emotions, ambitions, or wishes. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.
|
| longing |
Describes a deep, often melancholic desire for something, especially something that is unattainable or far away. It usually carries an emotional and wistful tone.
|
| urge |
Implies a strong, immediate compulsion to act, often impulsive and sometimes fleeting. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if it suggests an uncontrollable or inappropriate action.
|
| hunger |
Usually refers to the physical need for food but can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong need for something non-physical, such as success or knowledge.
|
Examples of usage
- I have a craving for chocolate right now.
- She had a craving for adventure and decided to go skydiving.
feel a powerful desire for something
To crave means to have a strong desire or longing for something. It can be used to express a deep need or yearning for a particular thing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| craving |
This is typically used to describe a strong desire or urge for food or a specific item. It often has a sense of urgency and intensity.
|
| yearn |
Yearn is used to describe a deep emotional desire, often combined with a sense of melancholy or incompletion. It can be used for both physical things and abstract concepts like freedom or happiness.
|
| long |
Long is used to express a deep and sustained desire for something, often something that is not easily attainable. It can refer to both tangible and intangible things.
|
| hanker |
This word is more informal and is used to describe a strong desire for something, often something that you've been thinking about for a while. It can also refer to a nostalgic or sentimental longing.
|
| pine |
Used to express a deep emotional yearning, often with a sense of sorrow or melancholy. It typically refers to a desire for something or someone that is lost or unattainable.
|
Examples of usage
- I crave some peace and quiet after a long day.
- She craved success and worked hard to achieve her goals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that cravings are often linked to emotional states, with people desiring comfort food during stress or sadness.
- The brainโs reward system plays a significant role in cravings, activating when we think about or consume something we love.
- Some studies suggest that cravings can be a learned behavior, as past experiences shape what we crave.
Nutrition
- Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates can indicate a need for quick energy, whereas wanting protein may point to a need for muscle recovery.
- Hydration can often be confused with hunger, as sometimes our bodies crave water in the form of food.
- Certain nutrient deficiencies, like magnesium or zinc, can lead to specific cravings, highlighting the body's way of signaling what it lacks.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, craving is a topic in folklore, with tales highlighting the idea of longing or desire for unattainable things.
- Certain foods are culturally linked to cravings; for instance, chocolate is often craved during times of emotional distress in many Western societies.
- Different cultures celebrate cravings through festivals, such as harvest festivals where particular crops are honored and craved after long seasons.
Literature
- Craving appears frequently in literature as a metaphor for longing, often representing deeper emotional or existential desires.
- Classic novels often depict charactersโ cravings as a driving force in their actions, illustrating a fundamental human experience.
- Poets often explore cravings in their works, using them to symbolize unattainable love or passions.
Science
- Neuroscientific studies have shown that cravings can affect brain activity, particularly in areas associated with pleasure and reward.
- Hormonal changes, such as those during menstrual cycles, have been linked to increased cravings, especially for sweets.
- Cravings can also be influenced by environmental cues, such as advertisements or being around certain foods, triggering an involuntary desire.
Origin of 'craving'
The word 'craving' originated from the Old English word 'crafian', meaning 'to demand'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a strong desire or longing for something. The concept of craving is deeply rooted in human nature, reflecting our innate desires and passions.
See also: craved.