thirsty
/ˈθɜː.sti/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Feeling a need to drink because your body needs water. It can also mean very dry and wanting water.
- I'm thirsty after the walk.
- This heat is making me thirsty.
- The desert air felt dry and thirsty.
- 2.
Informal: strongly wanting something, especially attention, success, or approval. This use is common in modern speech and social media.
- He's thirsty for attention.
- That post looks a bit thirsty.
- Don't sound thirsty in messages.
Adinary Nuance
Thirsty is usually stronger and more basic than dry. Use thirsty when a person needs water, and dry for the mouth, throat, or weather. In modern informal English, thirsty can also mean desperate for attention, which dry does not mean.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khát nước
- Spanish
- tener sed
- Chinese
- 口渴
- Japanese
- のどが渇いた
- Korean
- 목마른
Etymology
Old English þyrstig came from the same Germanic root as 'thirst'. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
thirsty for waterthirsty for attentionthirsty workthirsty throat
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is thirsty formal or informal?
- It is neutral for the water meaning. The attention meaning is informal and often sounds playful or critical.
- What is the difference between thirsty and dry?
- Thirsty means you want water. Dry describes the condition of a mouth, throat, or place.
- Can I use thirsty in business writing?
- Yes, for the water meaning. Avoid the slang meaning unless the tone is very informal.
- What does thirsty mean on social media?
- It can mean someone seems desperate for attention, praise, or romance.