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

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 The accident has shown Allen the importance of the other parts of her identity: the avid reader, the cook, the nerd, the traveler, the insect lover. — Rhiannon Russell, Outside Online, "How Hillary Allen Overcame a Traumatic Injury," 21 June 2018 Kim, an avid reader of home decorating magazines and Pinterest, found a way to incorporate her favorite minimalist style into the decor to make a space truly unique for the couple. — Taylor M. Riley, The Courier-Journal, "This Prospect home does summer the right way with the perfect pool," 14 June 2018 The avid reader has a bookshelf stocked with the classics, including a set of Ernest Hemingway's greatest hits. — John-john Williams Iv, Howard County Times, "Dia Simms, president of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' business empire, relishes her bright, airy Ellicott City home," 6 June 2018 Grun, who taught industrial arts for 33 years, still teaches Sunday school and a summer woodworking class, and is an avid reader. — Stephanie Farr, Philly.com, "What's on your bucket list? Granting the dangerous, heartbreaking wishes of Philly seniors," 31 May 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.