Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/dɪˈvaʊər/ (American English), /dɪˈvaʊə/ (British English)

Definitions

• To eat something eagerly or greedily.
• To consume something quickly and completely.
• To read or watch something with great enthusiasm.
• To destroy something completely, especially by fire.

Usage Examples

• He was so hungry that he devoured his meal in minutes.
• She devoured the entire novel in one sitting.
• The flames devoured the wooden house within hours.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "devouren," from Old French "devorer," from Latin "devorare," meaning "to consume, swallow down."

Synonyms

• Consume
• Gobble
• Engulf
• Inhale
• Swallow

Antonyms

• Nibble
• Spare
• Preserve
• Abstain

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, the final "r" is softer compared to American English, where it is more pronounced.

Historical Usage

The term has been used metaphorically in literature and religious texts to describe excessive greed, consumption, or destruction.

Cultural Nuances

The word "devour" is often associated with literary enthusiasm, intense passion, or even destruction in various cultural contexts.

More Information

Devouring is not limited to food but extends to the way people consume books, media, or experiences with intense interest.