avid

adjective

av·id | \ ˈa-vəd

Definition of avid

1 : characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit : very eager and enthusiastic avid readers/fans an avid golfer

2 : desirous to the point of greed : urgently eager : greedy avid for publicity/success

Other Words from avid Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym The Finer Points of Avid More Example Sentences Learn More about avid

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Choose the Right Synonym for avid

eager, avid, keen, anxious, athirst mean moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest. eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint. eager to get started avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed. avid for new thrills keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action. keen on the latest fashions anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment. anxious not to make a social blunder athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action. athirst for adventure

The Finer Points of Avid

The original and now relatively unfamiliar sense of avid, “desirous to the point of greed,” developed logically from its root in Latin, avēre (meaning “to long for”). It appears in such phrases as “avid of fame” and “avid for details,” expressions we are more likely to encounter in formal writing than in speech. More common today is the word’s somewhat weakened and ameliorated (that is, “made better,” or given a more positive connotation) meaning “extremely enthusiastic.” This is the sense regularly used of people who have embraced some hobby or pursuit (such as avid readers, gardeners, or knitters).

Examples of avid in a Sentence

He is an avid admirer of horror movies. They took an avid interest in politics. some of the newspaper's most avid readers

Recent Examples on the Web

Kensington Palace unveiled three new photos of Charlotte in celebration of her big day, taken by avid amateur photographer Kate Middleton at the family's London and Norfolk homes. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Left the Sweetest Comment on Princess Charlotte's Birthday Photos," 2 May 2019 The crew's absence has been a hard pill to swallow for many avid viewers, but there's no doubt that the remaining stars will continue to serve up our dramatic fishing fix (and hopefully fill Johnathan's pranking void). — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "This Is Why 'Deadliest Catch' Won't Feature the Time Bandit Anymore," 28 Apr. 2019 The avid art lover and fashion icon dressed up in a black floral Alexander McQueen gown for the occasion. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Wears a Floral Alexander McQueen Gown at to the National Portrait Gallery Gala," 12 Mar. 2019 As an avid home chef as well as someone who spends his days on a set kitchen, Allen has a few thoughts on what makes for a good layout. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "Chopped's Ted Allen on How to Design a Kitchen You'll Never Want to Leave," 9 Apr. 2019 During the process, Marie shared a tidbit that will definitely please her fans who are avid readers. — Maya Mcdowell, House Beautiful, "Marie Kondo Squashed a Misconception About the KonMari Method for Jimmy Kimmel," 30 Jan. 2019 As an avid reader of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books and a devoted viewer of the TV series, I am struck by the differences between the two. — Outlander Fan, Marie Claire, "How Outlander Season 4 Is Different From Outlander, Book 4, 'Drums Of Autumn'," 29 Jan. 2019 She will be remembered as an avid reader with a deep understanding of history and humanity. — courant.com, "Jeralyn Boccuzzi," 13 July 2018 Scarbrough said the festival seeks to connect San Diego authors and illustrators with avid readers of all ages on an intimate level. — Olivia Ralph, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Olivia's Report: U-T to host second annual San Diego Festival of Books," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'avid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.