ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crave

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɹeɪv// UK //kɹˈeɪv// crave Archaic Literary

v. to feel a strong desire for something, especially food or a specific experience.

v. to have an intense longing or desire for something. Transitive; typically takes a direct object or is followed by 'for'.


SIMPLE

I really crave chocolate after dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

She craves the quiet of the library during her busy work week.

COMPLEX

The poet's work reveals a deep craving for connection that transcends the physical limitations of his isolated existence.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English craven, from Old English crafian (“to crave, ask, implore, demand, summon”), from Proto-West Germanic krafōn, from Proto-Germanic krafjaną (“to demand”). Cognate with Danish kræve (“to demand, require”), Swedish kräva (“to crave, demand”), Icelandic krefja (“to demand”), Norwegian kreve (“to demand”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It can also be followed by 'for' + noun.

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