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 being stranded on the island for days, they were starting to feel starved. [starved: adjective]
famish
Example
The villagers were famished after the drought destroyed their crops. [famished: adjective]
Example
The prisoners were left to famish in their cells for days without any food. [famish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Starve is more commonly used than famish in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between starve and famish?
Starve is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Famish is less common and may be considered more formal or archaic.
