What is the difference between famished and starving?

Definitions

famished

- Describing extreme hunger or a feeling of starvation.

- Referring to a state of being deprived of food for an extended period of time.

- Talking about a feeling of weakness or exhaustion due to lack of sustenance.

starving

- Describing extreme hunger or a feeling of famished.

- Referring to a state of being deprived of food for an extended period of time.

- Talking about a feeling of weakness or exhaustion due to lack of sustenance.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a state of extreme hunger.
• 2. Both words can be used as adjectives or verbs.
• 3. Both words suggest a prolonged period of time without food.
• 4. Both words convey a sense of urgency and desperation.

What is the difference?

• 1. Intensity: Famished suggests a more severe level of hunger than starving.
• 2. Formality: Famished is more formal than starving.
• 3. Usage: Starving is more commonly used in everyday language than famished.
• 4. Connotation: Famished can imply a sense of weakness or exhaustion, while starving may suggest a more urgent need for sustenance.

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Remember this!

Famished and starving are synonyms that both describe a state of extreme hunger or deprivation of food. However, famished suggests a more severe level of hunger and is more formal in tone, while starving is more commonly used in everyday language and may suggest a more urgent need for sustenance.