Gluttonous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gluttonous

[ˈɡlʌt(ə)nəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Excessively greedy or indulgent, especially in food.

Synonyms

greedy, insatiable, voracious.

Examples of usage

  • He had a gluttonous appetite, always eating more than he needed.
  • The gluttonous feast left everyone feeling uncomfortably full.
  • She indulged in gluttonous behavior, consuming the entire cake by herself.
Context #2 | Adjective

descriptive

Characterized by overindulgence or excessiveness.

Synonyms

excessive, extravagant, lavish.

Examples of usage

  • The mansion was a gluttonous display of wealth and luxury.
  • His gluttonous spending habits quickly depleted his savings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, gluttony is often seen as a sin, one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition.
  • Feasting has been a significant aspect of several cultures, often leading to portrayals of gluttonous characters in literature and film.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that emotional eating – relating to gluttony – is a response to stress, sadness or boredom.
  • Studies show that individuals with a tendency towards gluttonous behavior may struggle with impulse control.

Health Implications

  • Being gluttonous can lead to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Nutritionists warn that gluttony can mask deeper emotional or psychological challenges, leading people to overeat.

Literary Examples

  • Charles Dickens often depicted gluttonous characters, like Mr. Bumble in 'Oliver Twist', highlighting their excesses for comedic effect.
  • In literature, gluttony is often used to symbolize moral failings or a lack of self-control, making characters more relatable.

Origin of 'gluttonous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gluttonous' comes from the Latin word 'gluttonus', meaning 'one who swallows or devours'.
  • It traces back to Middle English 'gloton', which also indicated excessive greed in eating.

The word 'gluttonous' originated from the Middle English 'glotonous', which in turn came from the Old French 'gloton', meaning 'to eat to excess'. The term has evolved over time to encompass not only overeating but also excessive indulgence in various aspects of life.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,081 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.