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Voracity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
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voracity

[vษ™หˆrรฆsษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

excessive desire for food

Voracity refers to an insatiable hunger or appetite, especially for food. It implies a strong and uncontrollable desire to consume large quantities of food.

Synonyms

gluttony, greediness, rapaciousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voracity

Use when describing an intense eagerness or enthusiasm for something, not necessarily related to food. It is often used in a neutral or positive context.

  • Her voracity for knowledge impressed all her teachers.
  • The athlete's voracity during training sessions is unmatched.
greediness

Used to describe a selfish desire for more than one needs, often related to money or possessions. It carries a negative connotation.

  • His greediness made him lose all his friends.
  • The company's greediness led to unethical business practices.
rapaciousness

This term is used for aggressive greed or a predatory desire to take more than one needs, often with a sense of ruthlessness. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The rapaciousness of the invading forces shocked the villagers.
  • The rapaciousness of the corporation led to the destruction of many small businesses.
gluttony

This word refers specifically to excessive eating and drinking. It has a negative connotation, often implying a lack of self-control.

  • His gluttony at the buffet was embarrassing.
  • The holiday season can often lead to gluttony.

Examples of usage

  • Her voracity at the buffet was evident as she went back for seconds and thirds.
  • The voracity of the wild animals as they hunted for prey was a sight to behold.
Context #2 | Noun

eager or insatiable desire for an activity

Voracity can also refer to a strong and eager desire for an activity, not just limited to food. It conveys a sense of intensity and enthusiasm towards that particular activity.

Synonyms

eagerness, enthusiasm, zeal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voracity

Best used to describe an intense and insatiable appetite or hunger for something, often food, but can be used metaphorically. It has a slightly negative connotation when describing people's desires.

  • His voracity for power was evident in his every action.
  • The voracity with which he devoured the meal was astonishing.
eagerness

Fits well when expressing a strong willingness or desire to do something, generally in a positive light and more subtle manner compared to 'voracity'.

  • Her eagerness to learn new things made her a favorite among the teachers.
  • You could sense his eagerness for the trip just by looking at him.
enthusiasm

Appropriate for showing intense and lively interest or excitement about something, often in a positive and energetic way.

  • The team's enthusiasm was evident as they prepared for the big game.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project was contagious, motivating everyone around her.
zeal

Used when describing a passionate and fervent devotion to a cause, job, or activity. It usually has a strong, positive intensity.

  • He worked with great zeal to complete the mission.
  • Her zeal for social justice was inspiring.

Examples of usage

  • His voracity for learning new languages is truly inspiring.
  • The voracity with which she approached her work was unmatched by her colleagues.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, voracity is often used to illustrate characters with insatiable desires and ambitions, sometimes leading to their downfall.
  • Famous works, such as Moby Dick, depict voracity in connection with man's insatiable desire for power and conquest.
  • The voracious reader is a common archetype in stories, representing an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and adventure.

Psychology

  • Voracity can symbolize a broader psychological state, often linked with craving and addiction, as individuals seek satisfaction in various forms.
  • Research indicates that a high level of voracity can lead to overindulgence, affecting both physical health and emotional well-being.
  • The concept is also explored in discussions of consumer behavior, where voracity might drive excessive purchasing habits.

Pop Culture

  • In modern culture, characters like Cookie Monster from Sesame Street epitomize voracity through their exaggerated love for cookies.
  • Food shows and competitions often play on the theme of voracity, showcasing contestants who eat large quantities in a short time.
  • Popular phrases like 'voracious appetite' are frequently used in advertising to attract customers to all-you-can-eat buffets or promotions.

Biology

  • In the animal kingdom, voracity is a survival trait, with predators often having insatiable appetites to ensure their energy needs are met.
  • Certain species of fish exhibit voracity by consuming prey much larger than themselves, showcasing adaptability in their feeding strategies.
  • Voracious herbivores, like locusts, can drastically affect their ecosystems by consuming massive amounts of vegetation.

Origin of 'voracity'

Main points about word origin

  • The term is derived from the Latin word 'voracitas', which means 'devouring' or 'greedy'.
  • It is related to the Latin verb 'vorare', which translates to 'to devour' or 'to swallow'.
  • The concept has been used in English since the early 16th century to describe insatiable hunger, both literally and metaphorically.

The word 'voracity' originates from the Latin word 'voracitas', meaning greed or ravenous appetite. Over time, it has evolved to encompass not just a desire for food but also a strong eagerness for various activities.

See also: voraciousness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,195 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.