What does voraciously mean?
Voraciously means with a ravenous appetite, and it is commonly used for someone eating or drinking eagerly and greedily. It can also describe the way a person approaches an activity or subject with intense, almost insatiable interest: someone may read voraciously, listen voraciously, or work through a series of books with conspicuous enthusiasm. The adverb is especially effective when it conveys not only physical hunger but also eagerness, energy, and a determination to experience as much as possible. It appears in both British and American English and is more expressive than a neutral phrase such as “very eagerly.” In everyday writing, it can be used directly to characterize someone's appetite, while in literary or figurative contexts it gives a memorable account of consuming information, entertainment, or opportunities. The related adjective “voracious” is often used to describe people, animals, appetites, readers, or interests. Overall, “voraciously” presents appetite and enthusiasm in a vivid, energetic form.
adverbIn a voracious manner; with eager, greedy appetite for food or, figuratively, for something.
- With eager, greedy appetite for food or drink.
- Figuratively, with enthusiastic and insatiable interest in an activity, subject, or experience.
"The hungry children devoured the sandwiches voraciously."
"The hikers ate voraciously after crossing the mountain."
"She read voraciously, consuming novels with the same appetite she brought to late-night snacks."
Voraciously turns a simple appetite into a vivid character sketch: not merely hungry, but hungry with infectious enthusiasm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does voraciously come from?
“Voraciously” was formed from the adjective “voracious,” which comes from the Latin “vorax” or “voracis,” meaning greedy or devouring and ultimately from “vorare,” meaning to devour. English later developed related forms such as “voracity” and “voraciousness.” The same Latin root also underlies the English word “vorax,” while “graciously” and “tenaciously” belong to a separate family associated with Latin “gratia” and “tenax,” respectively.
Related word forms
How voraciously is actually used
This adverb is vivid and often literary in tone, although it is also common in everyday speech. Its figurative use conveys intense enthusiasm and can suggest that an interest is difficult to satisfy.