Famished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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famished
[ˈfæmɪʃt ]
Definitions
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.
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| starving |
Use when someone is extremely hungry. This word is very common in everyday casual speech. Note: can also be used metaphorically.
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| 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'.
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| 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.
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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.
appearance
appearing extremely thin or emaciated
Synonyms
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.
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| thin |
A neutral term to describe someone who has little body fat. Can be used in various contexts, including neutral, positive or sometimes negative.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'famished'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'famished' originated from the Old French word 'afame' meaning 'starved' or 'hungry'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'famyschyd' before becoming 'famished' in modern English. The concept of extreme hunger or starvation has been a common experience throughout history, leading to the creation and usage of the word 'famished'.
See also: famishment.