Thirsty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thirsty

[หˆฮธษœหr.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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'thirsty'

Main points about word origin

  • 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 'dรผrsten' and the Dutch 'dorst.', showing its deep roots in the English language.

The word 'thirsty' originated from the Old English word 'thyrstig', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'thurstigaz'. The basic meaning of 'thirsty' has remained consistent throughout its history, referring to a strong desire for liquid or a craving for something. Over time, the word has also been used metaphorically to express a strong desire or craving for non-physical things, such as success or knowledge.


See also: thirst.

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.