Meaning of the Word
Craving refers to a strong desire or longing for something, particularly something that is often related to a specific need, want, or urge.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A powerful or intense desire, especially for something specific.
- An urgent or compelling need for a particular food, activity, or experience.
- A longing or yearning, typically for something that satisfies a specific need or emotion.
- A deep wish or hunger for something, often associated with emotional or physical satisfaction.
History and Origin
The word “craving” comes from the Old English crafian, meaning “to ask” or “to desire.” Over time, it evolved to describe a strong, almost uncontrollable desire for something. It became more associated with a physical or emotional need for something, often in relation to food or particular experiences. “Craving” is commonly used in the context of food, as people often experience strong urges to eat specific foods, but it can be applied to other types of strong desires as well.
Detailed Explanation
A craving is a deep, often intense desire for something specific. It is more than a passing wish; it is a feeling that can be difficult to ignore or resist. Cravings are typically linked to emotional or physical needs, and they can manifest in various forms. For example, someone may crave a particular type of food, like chocolate, because of a combination of taste preference, mood, or even a nutritional need. Cravings can also extend to non-material desires, such as a craving for attention, affection, or a particular experience. While cravings are often associated with food, they are essentially a form of psychological or physical longing that can affect decisions and behavior.
Example Sentences
- After a long day, she had a craving for something sweet, like chocolate cake.
- He couldn’t shake the craving for adventure, which led him to travel to new countries.
- The pregnant woman had an intense craving for pickles and ice cream.
- I woke up in the middle of the night with a craving for a hot cup of tea.
- After weeks of dieting, she suddenly had a craving for pizza.
- His craving for approval often led him to make decisions based on what others thought.
- The athlete’s craving for success drove him to train harder every day.
- She satisfied her craving for knowledge by reading books on various subjects.
- The cold weather made him crave a warm, hearty meal.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Desire: A strong feeling of wanting something, often used in a broader sense than craving.
- Longing: A deep, persistent desire, often emotional in nature, that may or may not be easily satisfied.
- Yearning: A strong, persistent craving, often related to something emotionally significant.
- Hankering: A strong and continued desire or craving, particularly for something specific.
- Appetite: A natural craving for food or drink, but can also describe a general desire for something.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Urge: A strong impulse or desire to do something, typically something immediate or spontaneous.
- Need: A condition where something is required or essential, often leading to a craving.
- Addiction: A strong dependence on something, which can often involve intense cravings, especially for substances.
- Famine: A situation of extreme hunger or need, which can lead to cravings for food.
- Impulse: A sudden desire to act, often related to a craving for immediate satisfaction.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Appetite: A desire for food, often linked to the physical sensation of hunger or cravings.
- Compulsion: A strong, uncontrollable desire to do something, similar to a craving but with a more urgent or irresistible force.
- Desperation: A state of intense need or desire, often leading to cravings or actions to satisfy it.
- Lust: A strong, often uncontrollable desire, usually related to physical attraction or longing.
- Obsession: An intense, sometimes irrational focus on something, which may include a craving for it.
Antonyms
- Indifference: A lack of desire or craving for something.
- Satisfaction: The state of being content or fulfilled, the opposite of feeling a craving.
- Apathy: Lack of interest or desire, the absence of a craving.
- Disinterest: A lack of craving or desire for something, often linked to indifference.
- Contentment: A state of being satisfied with what one has, without craving anything more.