What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Hunger vs Starved - What's the difference?

hunger | starved |

As verbs the difference between hunger and starved

is that hunger is to be in need of food while starved is (starve).

As a noun hunger

is a need or compelling desire for food.

As an adjective starved is

approaching starvation, emaciated and malnourished.

hunger

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) hunger, from (etyl) . Compare Dutch honger, German and Low German Hunger, Swedish hunger.

Noun

(en noun)
  • A need or compelling desire for food.
  • (by extension) Any strong desire.
    • I have a hunger to win.
  • * Spenser
    • O sacred hunger of ambitious minds!
    Usage notes
    The phrase be hungry'' is more common than ''have hunger to express a need for food.
    Antonyms
    * satiety * satiation
    Derived terms
    * hunger is the best spice
    See also
    * thirst

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) hyngran.

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To be in need of food.
  • (figuratively) To have a desire (for); to long; to yearn.
    • I hungered for your love.
  • * Bible, Matthew v. 6
    • Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.
  • (archaic) To make hungry; to famish.

    • References

    *

    Anagrams

    * ----

    starved

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Approaching starvation, emaciated and malnourished.
  • (colloquial) Extremely hungry.
    • I'm starved , I haven't eaten since breakfast.

    Verb

    (head)
  • (starve)

    • Anagrams

    *