avid

[ av-id ]

adjective

1. showing great enthusiasm for or interest in:

   an avid moviegoer.

   Synonyms: fanatic, zealous, dedicated, devoted, keen, ardent, enthusiastic

   Antonyms: reluctant, apathetic, indifferent

2. extremely desirous; eager; greedy (often followed by for or sometimes of ):

   avid for pleasure; avid of power.

   Synonyms: rapacious, insatiable, hungry, covetous

   Antonyms: loath, disdainful

avid

/ ˈævɪd /

adjective

1. very keen; enthusiastic

   an avid reader

2. postpositive; often foll by for or of eager (for); desirous (of); greedy (for)

   avid for revenge

Derived Forms

• ˈavidly, adverb

Other Words From

• av·id·ly adverb
• av·id·ness noun
• un·av·id adjective
• un·av·id·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of avid¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French avide, from Latin avidus, equivalent to av(ēre) “to crave” + -idus adjective suffix; -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of avid¹

C18: from Latin avidus, from avēre to long for

Synonym Study

Avid, eager, keen all share the sense of strongly desirous. Avid suggests a desire akin to greed, so strong as to be insatiable: driven by an avid need for fame and recognition. Eager implies a desire that is strong and impatient but less than overpowering: eager to try his hand at new tasks. Keen carries a sense of zest and active, alert desire: an amateur painter, ever keen to try new techniques.

Example Sentences

Lloyd's cross-continental marathon journey began at a young age, as an avid enjoyer of many sports including running, gymnastics and playing football for Special Olympics clubs.

From BBC

His mother was an avid singer of spirituals and a next-door neighbor, Lucy Jackson, helped Jones learn to tap out boogie-woogie on the keyboard.

From Los Angeles Times

The billionaire has been an avid supporter of former President Donald Trump throughout the election season, often using his widespread reach to spread lies and misinformation about Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

From Salon

The avid photographer was treated for her injuries at the scene, before being rushed to hospital, where she is in a stable condition.

From BBC

When I’m not teaching, I’m an avid reader of crime fiction.

From Salon

Related Words

• ardent
• devoted
• eager
• fanatical
• fervent
• hungry
• impatient
• insatiable
• keen
• passionate
• ravenous
• thirsty
• voracious
• zealous