Hungriest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hungriest

[หˆhสŒล‹ษกriษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

extreme hunger

The term 'hungriest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'hungry', which describes a state of having a strong desire or craving for food. It indicates the highest degree of hunger in comparison to others. This word can also imply a sense of eagerness or intense longing for something beyond just food. For example, someone may describe themselves as the hungriest for success or love, illustrating their vibrant desire for those aspects.

Synonyms

famished, ravenous, starving.

Examples of usage

  • After the long hike, I felt the hungriest I've ever been.
  • She was the hungriest contestant on the cooking show.
  • He was hungriest for knowledge, always asking questions.
  • The hungriest players often secure the most victories.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Culture

  • In many cultures, the act of sharing food is a way to combat hunger, revealing deep social bonds.
  • The phrase 'breaking bread' signifies not just eating, but sharing and nurturing connections with others.
  • Hunger can affect mood and behavior; people often become more irritable when they are hungriest.

Psychology

  • Studies show that hunger impacts decision-making abilities; hunger can make people more impulsive.
  • When people are the hungriest, they often focus solely on immediate rewards, rather than future consequences.
  • There is a physiological reason behind irritability during hunger; the body signals stress and urgency.

Literature

  • Hunger has been a central theme in various literary works, symbolizing desire or deprivation.
  • Famous novels often depict characters experiencing physical hunger as a metaphor for emotional or existential hunger.
  • Poets use imagery of hunger to express longing and yearning beyond just food โ€“ a deep craving for life or love.

Global Context

  • Globally, hunger remains a critical issue; many organizations work tirelessly to combat food scarcity.
  • The hungriest regions often lack resources, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in food access.
  • Food security and the fight against hunger are central to sustainable development goals worldwide.

Origin of 'hungriest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'hungrig,' which signifies a strong desire for food.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'hungrigs,' highlighting a long history in the English language.
  • The transition to 'hungry' took place in various dialects before standardization in Modern English.

The word 'hungry' originates from the Old English term 'hungor', which means 'hunger or desire.' This suggested a longing or craving, often associated with the need for food. The evolution of the language saw 'hungry' transform in usage through Middle English as 'hungrie' before reaching its present form. The superlative 'hungriest' follows the standard convention in English, where the suffix '-est' is added to denote the highest degree of the adjective. Throughout history, hunger has been a significant theme in literature and culture, reflecting human desires and survival instincts. In modern usage, 'hungriest' can extend beyond the physical need for food to signify voracity in various pursuits such as ambition or knowledge.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,246, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.