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crave

Crave (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/kreɪv/

What does crave mean?

To expresses a strong and intense desire or longing for something, often a specific object, experience, or sensation.
"Entrepreneurs often crave wealth as a measure of their success."

Detailed Meaning of Crave

When someone craves something, it goes beyond a simple want or wish; it signifies an almost irresistible yearning or hunger for that particular thing. This desire can encompass a wide range of aspects, including physical cravings like food or comfort, emotional cravings for love or connection, or even abstract desires such as success or recognition. Craving often implies a sense of urgency and a powerful drive to fulfill that desire. It's a deeply felt need that can be both motivating and all-consuming, compelling individuals to take action in pursuit of what they crave.

Example Sentences for Crave

1. I crave the simplicity and tranquility of life in the countryside.
2. When I'm stressed, I often crave chocolate.
3. After a long day of hiking, they all crave a hearty meal.
4. As a writer, she crave the solitude necessary for her creative process.
5. Many people crave wealth as a means to financial security.
6. Some individuals crave wealth to indulge in a life of luxury.

Origin and Etymology of Crave

The verb 'crave' traces its etymological origins to the Middle English word 'craven' or 'cravenen,' which meant 'to beg' or 'to implore.' This Middle English term, in turn, evolved from the Old English 'crafian,' which also carried the sense of begging or asking earnestly. The deeper root can be found in the Proto-Germanic word 'krabon,' meaning 'to beg' or 'to implore.' As 'crave' progressed through the English language, it took on its modern meaning of expressing a strong and intense desire or longing for something, often a specific object, experience, or sensation. The transition from imploring for something to desiring it fervently reflects the idea that when we crave something, we yearn for it with a deep and compelling intensity, akin to the earnest pleas of begging. The word's etymology reminds us of the strong and urgent nature of our desires when we say we 'crave' something.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb crave:

reject

desire

ignore

disregard

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Crave

1. When you're on a diet, it's common to crave the foods you can't have.
2. Many people crave adventure and excitement in their lives.
3. After spending hours in the sun, I crave a cold glass of water.
4. He said that he doesn’t crave fame, only the satisfaction of doing good work.
5. She crave the approval of her peers more than she’d like to admit.
6. Musicians often crave the exhilaration that comes from performing live.
7. As an introvert, sometimes I just crave time alone to recharge.
8. After weeks of eating healthy, I gave in and ate the pizza I’d been craving.
9. They crave the rush that comes with extreme sports.
10. When you're dehydrated, your body will crave liquids.
11. Some people crave knowledge and spend their lives in pursuit of learning.
12. During the winter, I often crave the warmth and sunshine of a tropical beach.
13. After months of hard work, they crave a vacation to unwind.
14. When she feels homesick, she craves her mother’s homemade soup.
15. I crave a world where peace and understanding prevail.
16. Many artists crave recognition for their work, even if they don’t admit it.