What does "avid" mean?

1. (enthusiastic) very interested in something and doing it as much as possible. 2. (greedy) having a very strong and selfish desire for something like money or power.

How do you use "avid"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'avid fan' or 'avid supporter'. Often followed by the preposition 'for' when describing the object of desire.

avid

adj.

US //ˈævəd// UK //ˈævɪd// avid

1 enthusiastic (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

very interested in something and doing it as much as possible.

characterised by intense enthusiasm, interest, or dedication to a specific pursuit.

Example

As an avid reader, she usually finishes at least two books every week.

Example

An avid collector of vintage vinyl, he spent his weekends scouring remote flea markets for rare first pressings.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'avid fan' or 'avid supporter'.
- indifferent
- apathetic
2 greedy (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

having a very strong and selfish desire for something like money or power.

marked by an insatiable desire or greed for gain.

Example

The king was avid for power and took over all the neighbouring lands.

Example

The corporation remained avid for new territory, showing little regard for the environmental consequences of its rapid expansion.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' when describing the object of desire.
- greedy
- covetous
- insatiable
- generous
- satisfied

Origin

From French avide, from Latin avidus (“eager, desirous; greedy”), from aveō (“wish, desire, long for, crave”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026