What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hungry
Example
I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse. [hungry: adjective]
Example
She felt hungry after skipping breakfast. [hungry: adjective]
starving
Example
The refugees were starving and in desperate need of food. [starving: adjective]
Example
I'm so hungry, I feel like I'm starving. [starving: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hungry is more commonly used than starving in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts. Starving is reserved for more extreme situations and is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hungry and starving?
Hungry is a more neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while starving is more emotive and informal, often used in casual conversation or expressive writing.
