Definition of AVID (original) (raw)
1
: characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit : very eager and enthusiastic
2
: desirous to the point of greed : urgently eager : greedy
avid for publicity/success
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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).
Synonyms
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.
avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.
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.
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 It should be noted, though, that Cho is an avid watch collector. —
Roberta Naas, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Loewe, another avid explorer of regional Chinese traditions, sent VIP shoppers a gift basket created via traditional bamboo-weaving techniques, another intangible cultural heritage. —Denni Hu, WWD, 12 Sep. 2024 Davis is also an avid runner, participating in races in every state with her husband. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024 However, Cupertino resident Herve Marcy, who is an avid cyclist and often bikes along the boulevard, says the zone should be implemented as soon as possible. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for avid 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'avid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French or Latin; French avide, from Latin avidus, from avēre to desire, crave; akin to Welsh ewyllys desire, Old Irish con-oí he protects
First Known Use
1769, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of avid was in 1769
Dictionary Entries Near avid
Cite this Entry
“Avid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avid. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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