Famished: meaning, definitions and examples

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famished

[ˈfæmɪʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

extremely hungry

Synonyms

ravenous, starving, voracious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
famished	Use when someone is extremely hungry but in a more casual or slightly dramatic way. Often used in everyday conversation. I haven't eaten anything all day, I'm absolutely famished!
starving	Use when someone is extremely hungry. This word is very common in everyday casual speech. Note: can also be used metaphorically. I skipped breakfast, and now I'm starving
ravenous	Use when describing a very intense level of hunger, almost desperate. It is often used in a slightly more formal or dramatic context than 'famished'. After the long hike, we were ravenous and ate everything in sight
voracious	Use when describing not only extreme hunger but also a large appetite for food, knowledge, or other things. Often used in a more intellectual or formal context. He was a voracious reader, finishing book after book in a short amount of time

Examples of usage

After not eating all day, I felt famished and couldn't wait to have dinner.
The hiker was famished after a long trek through the mountains.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

appearing extremely thin or emaciated

Synonyms

emaciated, gaunt, thin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
famished	Best used to describe a state of extreme hunger. It's a casual term often used in everyday conversation. I haven't eaten all day, I'm absolutely famished! After the long hike, they were famished and looking for food.
thin	A neutral term to describe someone who has little body fat. Can be used in various contexts, including neutral, positive or sometimes negative. She is very thin, maybe she runs a lot. He stayed thin despite eating a lot.
emaciated	Used to describe someone who is extremely thin and weak, often because of illness or lack of food. It has a negative connotation and is often used in more serious contexts. The stray dog was emaciated and struggling to walk. After months of illness, he looked pale and emaciated.
gaunt	Describes someone who is very thin, with a sense of being unhealthy or suffering. It is often used to talk about someone's appearance in a negative way. She looked gaunt after her long battle with the disease. His gaunt face showed the signs of many hardships.

Examples of usage

The stray dog looked famished and in need of food.
The actor had to lose weight for the role, making him look famished on screen.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'famished' comes from the Old French word 'famer', which means to starve or to hunger.
The root of 'famished' can be traced back to Latin, where 'fames' means hunger or famine, showing its connection to extreme hunger.
The term has been in use in English since the late 14th century, reflecting a longstanding human concern with food scarcity.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often experience 'famished' conditions to symbolize desperation or hardship, emphasizing their struggles.
Charles Dickens frequently used the term to depict the harsh realities of poverty in his novels, bringing attention to societal issues.
The word appears in various poems and narratives to evoke sympathy for those who suffer from hunger.

Psychology

Research shows that extreme hunger can lead to irritability and difficulty concentrating, highlighting how closely tied our mood is to what we eat.
The sensation of being famished releases stress hormones in the body, which can affect our overall feelings of wellbeing.
Hunger can drive individuals to make impulsive decisions, showing how our basic needs impact our behavior.

Pop Culture

In many cooking shows, contestants often describe themselves as 'famished' after long challenges, which adds drama and context to their struggle.
The term is frequently used in memes and social media to humorously depict the sensation of hunger, especially after a long day without food.
Food-related reality shows often capitalize on the idea of 'famished' contestants competing for meals, highlighting the human connection to food.

Culinary Vocabulary

In culinary arts, 'famished' indicates the urgent need for nourishment, often inspiring chefs to create satisfying meal options.
The feeling of being famished can influence eating habits, encouraging people to choose more calorie-dense foods quickly.
Understanding hunger levels, including being famished, is essential for nutritionists when advising individuals on dietary needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "famished" in other languages:

🇵🇹 faminto

🇮🇳 बहुत भूखा

🇩🇪 ausgehungert

🇮🇩 kelaparan

🇺🇦 голодний

🇵🇱 wygłodniały

🇯🇵 ひどく空腹

🇫🇷 affamé

🇪🇸 famélico

🇹🇷 açlıktan ölmek

🇰🇷 배고파 죽겠어

🇸🇦 جائع

🇨🇿 hladový

🇸🇰 hladný

🇨🇳 饿极了

🇸🇮 lačen

🇮🇸 svangur

🇰🇿 ашыққан

🇬🇪 მშიერი

🇦🇿 ac

🇲🇽 muerto de hambre

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,726, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23723 magenta
23724 baseless
23725 assaying
23726 famished
23727 telecom
23728 banjo
23729 disjunctive
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