Thirsty: meaning, definitions and examples

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thirsty

 

[ˈθɜːr.sti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling a need to drink something.

Synonyms

dehydrated, dry, parched.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thirsty

Used when someone has a need or desire to drink something.

  • After a long run, she felt really thirsty.
  • Can I get some water? I'm so thirsty.
dehydrated

Typically used in a medical or health-related context to describe someone who hasn't had enough fluids and may be experiencing physical symptoms.

  • The doctor said he was dehydrated and needed an IV.
  • You should drink more water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
parched

Used to describe extreme thirst or dryness, often in a slightly more dramatic or literary context.

  • After hiking all day in the desert, they were absolutely parched.
  • His parched lips begged for water.
dry

Commonly used to describe having a dry mouth or throat, often due to lack of water, but can also describe anything that lacks moisture.

  • My throat feels dry from all the talking.
  • The soil was dry and cracked from the heat.

Examples of usage

  • I'm so thirsty after running for an hour.
  • She always carries a water bottle with her because she gets thirsty easily.
Context #2 | Adjective

desire

Eager for something, usually success, fame, or power.

Synonyms

ambitious, avid, hungry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thirsty

This word is most commonly used to describe the need for a drink of water. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is desperate for attention or recognition, often having a negative connotation.

  • After the long hike, he was incredibly thirsty.
  • Some people might think she's too thirsty for fame.
ambitious

This word is best used to describe someone who has a strong desire to achieve success or power. It is typically seen as a positive trait but can be perceived negatively if the ambition leads to unethical behavior.

  • She is very ambitious and always aims to get the highest grades in her class.
  • His ambitious nature sometimes makes him overlook the needs of others.
avid

This word is usually used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic about a particular activity or hobby. It has a positive connotation.

  • He is an avid reader and spends hours in the library.
  • As an avid runner, she participates in marathons regularly.
hungry

While primarily used to describe the need for food, 'hungry' can also metaphorically describe a strong desire for something, such as success or knowledge. It is generally neutral but can imply a sense of urgency or desperation.

  • After skipping lunch, she was absolutely hungry by dinnertime.
  • He's hungry for new challenges in his career.

Examples of usage

  • He is always thirsty for recognition.
  • She has a thirst for knowledge and is constantly reading books.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'thirstan,' which means to thirst or to long for.
  • It is related to other Germanic languages, including the German 'dürsten' and the Dutch 'dorst.', showing its deep roots in the English language.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, drinking water is considered a fundamental necessity and is symbolically associated with life and purity.
  • The phrase 'thirsting for knowledge' reflects the deep human desire for learning and understanding, linking the physical need for hydration to intellectual pursuits.

Health

  • Feeling thirsty is one of the body's primary signals indicating that it needs hydration to function properly.
  • Chronic thirst can indicate dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues such as kidney stones or urinary infections, showing the importance of drinking enough fluids.

Psychology

  • Researchers have shown that thirst can influence mood and cognitive performance, suggesting that staying hydrated can improve focus and well-being.
  • The sensation of thirst can also trigger cravings for specific types of beverages, indicating that our preferences can be influenced by bodily needs.

Literature

  • In literature, unquenched thirst often symbolizes deep existential desires or unfulfilled longings, serving as a powerful metaphor.
  • Numerous poems and stories use thirst as a recurring motif, illustrating the quest for satisfaction in different forms beyond just physical thirst.

Translations

Translations of the word "thirsty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sedento

🇮🇳 प्यासा

🇩🇪 durstig

🇮🇩 haus

🇺🇦 спраглий

🇵🇱 spragniony

🇯🇵 喉が渇いた

🇫🇷 assoiffé

🇪🇸 sediento

🇹🇷 susamış

🇰🇷 목마른

🇸🇦 عطشان

🇨🇿 žíznivý

🇸🇰 smädný

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 žejen

🇮🇸 þyrstur

🇰🇿 шөлдеу

🇬🇪 მწყურია

🇦🇿 susamış

🇲🇽 sediento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,128, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.