voracity

noun

vo·​rac·​i·​ty vȯ-ˈra-sə-tē How to pronounce voracity (audio)
və-
: the quality or state of being voracious

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The insatiable word nerds among us will appreciate voracity, a word used to refer to both literal and figurative appetites that simply cannot be quelled. Voracity comes to us (via Middle French) from the Latin word voracitas, which itself comes from the combining of vorax, meaning “voracious,” with -itas, the Latin equivalent of the English noun suffix -ity. Voracity is one of two English words that mean “the quality or state of being voracious.” The other is voraciousness, which was once considered archaic but has made a comeback. Because voracity developed from non-English forerunners, rather than being created in English from voracious (as was voraciousness), the word may strike some English speakers as an unusual formation. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the more familiar-looking voraciousness has reappeared—most likely through a process of reinvention by people unfamiliar with voracity.

Examples of voracity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The voracity of everyday life flattens the human landscape and makes people into roles, stripping them of their inner characteristics and personal stories and, therefore, their importance. Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Jan. 2024 For a long time, Daina was also right about voracity. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2023 One expression that has emerged as an early fan favorite is his pamburguesa ($16), a convergence of a pambazo sandwich — dipped in red pepper sauce with all the voracity of a Chicago-style Italian beef — and a hamburguesa smashed cheeseburger, with spiced fries on the side. Louisa Chu, chicagotribune.com, 8 Feb. 2022 Despite the voracity of this year’s fires, Cal Fire’s Porter said firefighters have saved several communities from the flames — South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Pollock Pines, Sly Park, Hayfork, Willits, Chester, west Lake Almanor, Westwood, Susanville and Janesville. Michael Cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Sep. 2021 And nowhere is the Beatles’ voracity to know more visible than on Revolver. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2022 Dawson, who had not seen the report when she was interviewed, was struck by the voracity of Depp's online supporters. Graham Kates, CBS News, 18 July 2022 Contenders may view visits to the Coliseum this season with voracity. Matt Kawahara, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 July 2022 James Randi, a magician who later challenged spoon benders, mind readers, and faith healers with such voracity that he became regarded as the country’s foremost skeptic, died at 92. BostonGlobe.com, 20 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'voracity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of voracity was in 1526

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Dictionary Entries Near voracity

Cite this Entry

“Voracity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voracity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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