What does ravenously mean?
The adverb ravenously describes an action done with extreme hunger, eagerness, or voracity. It is often used to characterize the manner in which someone eats or consumes something, but can also be applied more broadly to describe any intense or enthusiastic desire. For example, a person might eat a meal ravenously, or a fan might devour the latest issue of their favorite magazine ravenously. The word carries a connotation of intensity and urgency, implying a strong and often unrelenting desire for something. As a result, it can be used to add emphasis and vividness to descriptions of human behavior.
adverbIn a ravenous or extremely hungry manner; with great eagerness or voracity.
- In a manner characterized by extreme hunger or eagerness.
- With great enthusiasm or intensity.
"The hikers devoured their sandwiches ravenously after hours of trekking through the wilderness."
"The lions attacked their prey ravenously, tearing it apart with savage efficiency."
"The fans ravenously devoured the latest issue of their favorite magazine, eager for news and updates."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ravenously
The adverb ravenously is derived from the adjective ravenous, which is itself derived from the noun raven. The noun raven has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages, and has been used in English since the 9th century to describe a type of large, carnivorous bird. The adjective ravenous emerged in the 15th century, initially meaning 'like a raven' and later taking on its modern sense of 'extremely hungry or voracious'. The adverb ravenously emerged in the 17th century, and has been used since then to describe actions done with great hunger or eagerness.
Usage notes
Often used to describe eating or consuming something with great enthusiasm or speed, but can also be used more broadly to describe any intense or eager desire.