WordGarden.iohungrily
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈʌŋɡrɪli/
US
- /ˈhəŋɡrəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that shows hunger or appetite
with eager or intense desire
Beyond the definition
We often think of "hungrily" as describing someone eating with a big appetite, like a wolf tearing into meat or a child quickly finishing cookies. But it can also go beyond food. "Hungrily" can describe a strong, eager desire for something. A student might hungrily take in new information, a traveler might hungrily look at a beautiful view, or a lonely person might hungrily seek closeness with others. It suggests wanting something very badly, as if the need is hard to ignore.
"Hungrily" is an adverb describing how something is done—specifically, with the intense eagerness and desire usually associated with extreme hunger. While its roots are firmly planted in the physical sensation of needing food, "hungrily" has blossomed into a versatile word used to describe any powerful craving or longing.
Imagine a lost traveler stumbling upon an oasis; they might drink water hungrily, gulping it down as if their life depends on it. But consider this: a writer might read the works of their favorite author hungrily, soaking up every nuance and technique. Or perhaps someone who has been silenced for years might listen to a voice of freedom hungrily, desperate for validation and hope.
The key is that "hungrily" suggests not just wanting something, but needing it with an almost primal intensity. It's more than simply liking; it's about a deep-seated desire that drives action and consumes attention. You might say a detective examined the clues hungrily, searching for any detail that would crack the case. Or a musician might practice scales hungrily, striving to perfect their craft.
So, while "hungrily" often brings food to mind, remember it's a powerful descriptor for any intense and eager pursuit—a testament to the strength of desire itself.
Examples
- 1
After exercise
After the hike, we ate hungrily at the little cafe.
- 2
Animal appetite
The dog sat by the table, watching us hungrily.
- 3
Leftovers
She opened the fridge and looked hungrily at the leftover pasta.
- 4
Eager interest
He listened hungrily to every story about life in New York.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business growth
Young companies are hungrily searching for new customers.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- voraciously
- with relish
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- eat hungrily
- devour hungrily
- look hungrily at food
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hungrilyadverb