Avid
/ˈævɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Avid describes someone who really likes or wants something a lot. It shows strong interest or excitement about an activity, hobby, or idea. People who are avid usually spend a lot of time or energy doing what they love.
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See It in Action
Showing strong enthusiasm or eagerness for something
- •She is an avid reader who finishes several books every month.
- •He became an avid collector of stamps after visiting the museum.
- •They are avid fans of the local soccer team.
Having a strong desire or craving for something
- •The dog was avid for a treat after a long walk.
- •He showed avid interest in learning new languages.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "avid" like "like," but much stronger — not just like something, but really excited about it
- ✓Picture a person reading many books quickly because they love reading very much
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you can’t wait to do your favorite hobby or watch your favorite show
- ✓Sounds like "have it" → imagine someone saying "I HAVE IT!" happily because they found something they really want
- ✓Imagine a sports fan cheering loudly at every game because they are very enthusiastic and passionate
- ✓NOT like "interested" (which can be mild), "avid" means very strong and active interest
- ✓NOT like "casual" (doing something without much care), "avid" means serious and focused attention
- ✓NOT like "lazy" or "bored," avid is full of energy and excitement about the subject
Try Other Words
- •Enthusiastic: showing strong excitement or interest (Use when you want to emphasize happiness and energy about something)
- •Keen: very interested and wanting to do something (Use in formal or informal settings to show strong interest)
- •Passionate: having very strong feelings about something (Use when feelings are deep and emotional)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word "avid"
- •Etymology: From Latin "avidus," meaning "desiring eagerly" or "greedy" in an old sense
- •Historical development: Originally had a stronger meaning close to "greedy," now softened to mean eager or enthusiastic
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who have a strong interest or enthusiasm for activities, hobbies, or ideas
Reflect & Connect
•How does being avid about a hobby help you learn or enjoy it more deeply?
•Can being too avid sometimes cause problems? When might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.She is an avid reader, so she spends ___ hours every day with books and magazines.
2.When someone is avid about a sport, they usually ___ every game and know many players.
3.Unlike a casual fan, an avid fan shows ___ excitement and follows news carefully.
4.He was avid to learn new skills, so he signed up for ___ classes immediately.
5.The puppy was avid for attention, wagging its tail and ___ to play.
6.If you feel only a little interest, you are not ___; avid means a strong, active desire.
7.An avid collector often spends a lot of time and money to ___ their collection.