What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
starve
Example
The refugees were forced to starve due to the lack of food supplies. [starve: verb]
Example
After skipping breakfast and lunch, I was starving by dinnertime. [starving: adjective]
crave
Example
I'm craving some ice cream right now. [craving: present participle]
Example
She had a sudden craving for sushi after watching a documentary about Japan. [craving: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crave is more commonly used than starve in everyday language. Crave is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while starve is less common and refers to a severe lack of food or nourishment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between starve and crave?
While starve is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, crave is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
