Thirst Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅค
thirst
[ฮธษหrst ]
Definitions
feeling
A strong desire for a drink.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thirst |
This word is most commonly used to describe the physical need to drink water or another liquid.
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| hunger |
Hunger typically refers to the physical need for food. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or need for something non-physical.
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| craving |
A craving is a strong desire or longing for something, often related to food, but can be used more broadly for other strong wants.
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| desire |
Desire refers to a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen. It is more general and can be used in various contexts, both physical and emotional.
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Examples of usage
- After running a marathon, he felt a deep thirst that could only be quenched by a cold glass of water.
- The desert sun left them with a relentless thirst that seemed impossible to satisfy.
for knowledge
A strong desire for something, typically knowledge or understanding.
Synonyms
curiosity, eagerness, passion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thirst |
Desire for a drink, often literally wanting water; it can also metaphorically indicate a strong desire for something.
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| curiosity |
A desire to learn or know about something, often driven by inquisitiveness.
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| eagerness |
A strong and enthusiastic desire to do something or for something to happen.
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| passion |
A very strong feeling or emotion, often associated with intense enthusiasm or love for something or someone.
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Examples of usage
- She had a thirst for adventure and exploration, always seeking to learn something new.
- His thirst for knowledge led him to spend countless hours in the library, absorbing information.
desire
To have a strong desire for something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thirst |
Often used when one feels a strong desire or need, typically for a drink, but can also be metaphorical for knowledge or power.
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| crave |
Implies a powerful desire for something, often food or drink, but can also refer to other strong, often physical, desires.
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| long for |
Expresses a deep, often emotional desire or wish for something, typically over a prolonged period.
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| yearn |
Conveys a strong, often melancholic desire or need for something, frequently used in a poetic or emotional sense.
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Examples of usage
- He thirsted for revenge against those who had wronged him.
- She thirsted for success and was willing to work hard to achieve her goals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Thirst is a signal that your brain sends to tell you that your body is low on water, crucial for maintaining balance.
- When you sweat, the body loses water; that's why you feel thirstier during hot weather or when exercising.
Culture
- In many cultures, sharing water is a sign of hospitality and friendship, often seen in traditional ceremonies.
- Literature often uses the theme of thirst metaphorically to symbolize unfulfilled desires or needs, such as in poetry and novels.
Psychology
- Studies show that our desire for water can be influenced by environmental factors, like seeing someone drink or just being in a hot place.
- Thirst can also affect our mood and cognitive function, where dehydration might lead to feelings of fatigue.
Health
- Staying hydrated is vital for your health; it helps your body cool off and keeps your organs functioning properly.
- Chronic dehydration can lead to serious health issues, so it's important to drink water regularly throughout the day.
Origin of 'thirst'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'thirst' comes from the Old English word 'รฐirst' which means wanting to drink.
- Related words in other languages show a common understanding of the sensation; for example, 'soif' in French and 'sed' in Latin both mean thirst.
The word 'thirst' originated from Old English 'thurst', which is of Germanic origin. Its first recorded use in the English language dates back to the 8th century. The concept of thirst as a physical sensation has been universally recognized since ancient times, with various cultures emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated. Metaphorically, the word 'thirst' has been used to convey a strong desire for something beyond just water, such as knowledge, success, or revenge.
See also: thirsty.