Voracious: meaning, definitions and examples

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voracious

[vəˈreɪʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a person or animal

Having a very eager approach to an activity, often consuming large amounts of food or information with enthusiasm.

Synonyms

greedy, insatiable, ravenous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
voracious	Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe an intense and eager desire, often for food but can also apply to other demands or pursuits. He has a voracious appetite for books. The new puppy has a voracious hunger.
insatiable	Typically used in more formal contexts to describe a desire or appetite that cannot be satisfied, often referring to curiosity, ambition, or hunger. She has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His insatiable desire for success consumed him.
ravenous	Primarily used to describe extreme hunger in both literal and metaphorical senses, often implying a desperate or urgent need. After the long hike, we were ravenous and ate everything in sight. She had a ravenous need for adventure.
greedy	Often used in a negative sense to describe someone who wants more than they need, primarily in terms of money, food, or power. The greedy businessman exploited his workers. Don't be so greedy; share the snacks.

Examples of usage

She is known for her voracious appetite, always finishing her plate and asking for more.
The voracious reader finished the entire book in one sitting.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing an action or process

Showing an insatiable hunger for something, such as power or success.

Synonyms

ambitious, avid, zealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
voracious	Voracious is often used to describe an extremely strong and greedy desire for something, such as food, knowledge, or power. It can have a slightly negative connotation, especially when referring to greed. He had a voracious appetite and could eat twice as much as anyone else at the table Her voracious reading habits meant she finished a book every two days
avid	Avid refers to having a keen interest or enthusiasm for something. It is used in positive contexts to show eagerness and passion. He is an avid reader with an extensive collection of novels She is an avid runner, participating in marathons all over the country
zealous	Zealous is used to describe someone who is extremely passionate and fervent about a cause or activity. It can be positive, but if the enthusiasm is too intense, it can be seen as excessive. He is a zealous supporter of environmental conservation, dedicating most of his free time to the cause Her zealous efforts to raise awareness about the issue have garnered significant attention
ambitious	Ambitious describes someone who has a strong desire to achieve success, usually in their career or personal goals. It is generally viewed positively, but in some cases, it can imply being overly focused on one's goals. She is an ambitious young lawyer who hopes to become a partner in the firm His ambitious plans included expanding the business to five new countries

Examples of usage

The company's voracious expansion into new markets impressed its competitors.
His voracious ambition drove him to work long hours to achieve his goals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'vorax', meaning 'greedy or ravenous'.
It evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the 15th century.
Related words include 'devour' and 'carnivorous', both emphasizing strong consumption.

Literature

In literature, a voracious character might consume books, leading to rich explorations of knowledge and adventure.
Famous characters like Moby-Dick personify voraciousness, symbolizing relentless pursuit and obsession.
Voracious readers often find themselves in worlds beyond their own, thus broadening their horizons.

Psychology

People labeled as voracious learners often have a high intrinsic motivation and curiosity.
This tendency can correlate with a growth mindset, where individuals believe they can improve through effort.
Voracious appetites, whether for food or knowledge, may stem from various psychological needs, such as the search for satisfaction.

Pop Culture

The term 'voracious' frequently appears in movie and book titles, symbolizing extreme passion or consumption.
Top cooking shows often feature contestants with voracious appetites, showcasing their love for cooking and tasting food.
Social media influencers who share their 'voracious' eating challenges demonstrate trends in food culture.

Science

In ecology, a 'voracious' predator plays a critical role in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.
Certain animals, like the great white shark, are described as voracious eaters, consuming large amounts for survival.
The term can extend to metabolic rates in biology, where 'voracious' creatures metabolize food faster to sustain energy needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "voracious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voraz

🇮🇳 लालची

🇩🇪 gefräßig

🇮🇩 rakus

🇺🇦 ненажерливий

🇵🇱 żarłoczny

🇯🇵 貪欲

🇫🇷 vorace

🇪🇸 voraz

🇹🇷 obur

🇰🇷 탐욕스러운

🇸🇦 نهم

🇨🇿 nenasytný

🇸🇰 nenásytný

🇨🇳 贪吃的

🇸🇮 požrešen

🇮🇸 gráðugur

🇰🇿 қомағай

🇬🇪 გადამწყვეტი

🇦🇿 acgözlü

🇲🇽 voraz

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,082, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22079 veered
22080 bosoms
22081 demarcated
22082 voracious
22083 insensitivity
22084 congregated
22085 lucerne
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