Definition of Hungry
Quick Meaning of Hungry
Wanting or needing to eat; feeling that your stomach is empty.
Detailed Definition of Hungry
Needing food; having a physical desire or need to eat.
How to Pronounce Hungry
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: First syllable stressed. The 'ng' sound is a velar nasal. Final 'y' sounds like 'ee'.
Watch out: Learners sometimes mispronounce the 'ng' as 'n' only, or stress the second syllable. Stress the first: HUN-gry with 'ng' sound.
Origin and Etymology of Hungry
From Old English hungrig, from hunger + -y (adjective suffix).
How to Use Hungry in a Sentence
Each example shows “hungry” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The child is hungry and wants lunch now.”
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“After working all morning, they felt hungry and tired.”
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“Hungry animals often search for food in the forest.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hungry
Common Synonyms for Hungry
Smart Synonyms for Hungry — When to Use Each
- starving
- informal stronger term for intense hunger
- famished
- formal term for extreme hunger over time
- peckish
- British term for mild hunger or appetite
Antonyms of Hungry
Common Collocations with Hungry
These phrases pair with “hungry” in everyday English:
- hungry for
- feel hungry
- get hungry
- stay hungry
- always hungry
Common Mistakes When Using Hungry
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hungry”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I am hungry of food.
- ✓ Correct: I am hungry.
- Why: 'Hungry' does not take 'of'; it is either standalone or followed by 'for' with abstract noun or action.
- ✗ Wrong: The hungry peoples need help.
- ✓ Correct: The hungry people need help.
- Why: 'Hungry' is an adjective modifying 'people'; do not use 'peoples' in this context.
Other Forms of Hungry
Frequently Asked Questions About Hungry
What is the meaning of "Hungry"?
Wanting or needing to eat; feeling that your stomach is empty.
How do you pronounce "Hungry"?
The IPA is /ˈhʌŋɡri/. First syllable stressed. The 'ng' sound is a velar nasal. Final 'y' sounds like 'ee'.
What part of speech is "Hungry"?
"Hungry" is an adjective at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hungry"?
Common synonyms include famished, starving, voracious.
How do you use "Hungry" in a sentence?
For example: "The child is hungry and wants lunch now."