Thirst: meaning, definitions and examples

🥤

Add to dictionary

thirst

[θɜːrst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

A strong desire for a drink.

Synonyms

craving, desire, hunger.

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. After running a mile, she felt an intense thirst and drank a whole bottle of water.
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. After skipping lunch, he felt a gnawing hunger. She had a hunger for knowledge that couldn't be satisfied.
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. She had a craving for chocolate late at night. He had a sudden craving for adventure.
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. His desire to travel the world was unstoppable. She felt a burning desire to succeed in her career.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. After running five miles, she felt a strong thirst for water. He has a thirst for adventure that takes him to faraway places.
curiosity	A desire to learn or know about something, often driven by inquisitiveness. Her curiosity led her to study the stars and become an astronomer. Children often have a natural curiosity about the world.
eagerness	A strong and enthusiastic desire to do something or for something to happen. He showed great eagerness to start his new job. She waited with eagerness for the concert tickets to go on sale.
passion	A very strong feeling or emotion, often associated with intense enthusiasm or love for something or someone. She has a passion for painting that consumes most of her free time. His passion for justice made him a great lawyer.

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.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

desire

To have a strong desire for something.

Synonyms

crave, long for, yearn.

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. She felt a deep thirst for adventure He quenched his thirst with a bottle of water
crave	Implies a powerful desire for something, often food or drink, but can also refer to other strong, often physical, desires. Pregnant women often crave unusual foods She craved his attention
long for	Expresses a deep, often emotional desire or wish for something, typically over a prolonged period. He longed for the days of his youth She longed for a peaceful life in the countryside
yearn	Conveys a strong, often melancholic desire or need for something, frequently used in a poetic or emotional sense. She yearned for his love They yearned to travel the world

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'thirst' comes from the Old English word 'ðirst' 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "thirst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sede

🇮🇳 प्यास

🇩🇪 Durst

🇮🇩 haus

🇺🇦 спрага

🇵🇱 pragnienie

🇯🇵 渇き (かわき)

🇫🇷 soif

🇪🇸 sed

🇹🇷 susuzluk

🇰🇷 갈증 (galjeung)

🇸🇦 عطش

🇨🇿 žízeň

🇸🇰 smäd

🇨🇳 渴 (kě)

🇸🇮 žeja

🇮🇸 þorsti

🇰🇿 шөлдеу

🇬🇪 წყურვილი

🇦🇿 susuzluq

🇲🇽 sed

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,571 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8568 bowel
8569 devoid
8570 speedily
8571 thirst
8572 excepted
8573 neutrality
8574 ventured
...