Definition

Noun: 1. Extreme gluttony; an excessive and insatiable desire to eat. This is the primary meaning, describing an intense, often uncontrolled, hunger. 2. (Figurative) An intense and greedy eagerness for something. This extends the meaning beyond food to describe an overwhelming appetite for things like knowledge, power, or experience.

Usage

• The word "voracity" is a formal noun used to describe an extreme degree of hunger or desire. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of control or a greedy, consuming nature.
• It is commonly paired with adjectives like "insatiable," "great," or "sheer" to emphasize its intensity.
• The related adjective is voracious.

Examples

• Literal (food):
  • The bear's voracity after hibernation was astonishing; it consumed an entire salmon in minutes.
  • The disease was marked by a sudden voracity and rapid weight loss.
• Figurative (desire):
  • Her voracity for knowledge led her to read several books a week.
  • The company's voracity for market share drove it to acquire smaller competitors aggressively.

Advanced Usage

• "with voracity": This adverbial phrase describes how an action is performed.
  • The critics devoured the new novel with voracity.
• "a voracity for...": This common construction specifies the object of the intense desire.
  • He has a voracity for adventure that cannot be quenched.

Variants and Related Words

• Voracious (adj): Having a huge appetite; eagerly consuming large amounts. This is the adjective form.
  • A voracious reader.
  • A voracious predator.
• Voraciously (adv): In a voracious manner.
  • He ate voraciously.

Synonyms

• Ravenousness: Extreme hunger.
• Gluttony: Habitual greed or excess in eating.
• Insatiability: The state of being impossible to satisfy.
• Avidity: Keen interest or enthusiasm (often used figuratively).

Antonyms

• Abstemiousness: Moderate eating and drinking.
• Satiety: The state of being full or satisfied.
• Indifference: Lack of interest or concern.

Noun

1. extreme gluttony
2. excessive desire to eat