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appetite

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈæpəˌtaɪt// UK //ˈæpɪtˌaɪt// ap·petite

n. the natural feeling of wanting to eat food. It can also mean a strong desire for something else, like success or adventure.

n. a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food. In a figurative sense, it refers to a strong liking or desire for a particular activity or object.


SIMPLE

The long walk gave me a huge appetite.

CONTEXTUAL

After the long hike through the mountains, the group had a massive appetite for a warm meal.

COMPLEX

The company's aggressive expansion into international markets suggests an insatiable appetite for growth that shows no signs of slowing down despite the current economic climate.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English appetit, from Old French apetit (French appétit), from Latin appetitus, from appetere (“to strive after, long for”); ad + petere (“to seek”). See petition, and compare with appetence.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general physical sensation of hunger; countable when referring to a specific desire for something ('an appetite for risk').

Pitfall

I have a big appetite of pizzaI have a big appetite for pizzaWhen expressing a desire for a specific thing, the noun takes the preposition 'for' rather than 'of'.

Idioms1 entry

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