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 with the correct word:
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.