avid

USAGE SUMMARY

"avid" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective most commonly used to describe someone who is passionate about something or exhibits intense enthusiasm. For example, "He is an avid collector of vintage cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the time I arrived in Nice, the picnic on the beach had been called off, but I was soon absorbed into the extended family of this pair of single mothers and avid social networkers.

The Guardian - Travel

Even as an avid reader who loves books and the beauty of fictional worlds, sometimes even I get bored and can't concentrate on the book I'm trying to get through.

The Guardian

The teenage Iain of course had no personal experience of violence, let alone war, but his father and many of his older relatives were veterans, and he was already an avid reader of history and much else.

The Guardian - Books

Matters are probably exacerbated by the fact the rest of the family are avid readers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He stood only 5ft 5in, but he was an avid squash player and kept his body in peak physical condition.

The Guardian - Books

Or that Scotland, avid participant for over two centuries in the splendour and folly of empire, as the opulent houses near Glasgow and the Indian cemeteries full of young Campbells attest, should now wish to disown its senior partner.

The Guardian - Opinion

In case you haven't heard of Bachman, she's an American TV personality from Minnesota who is an avid hunter.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not the stuff of conspiracy theories to assume that some avid supporters of a European federal state wished for this very scenario all along: they knew the euro would not work and thus necessarily lead to "more Europe".

The Guardian - Opinion

Flashy advertisements really don't mean anything to most avid readers.

The Guardian - Books

A copy was secured in our village, no doubt by some lovelorn wife or spinster, and was loaned by the page because all were avid to read this tormenting love story and all identified with it.

The Guardian - Books

He was an avid gardener, and I find myself in Hertfordshire [where Daldry bought a rambling mansion a few years ago] digging up potatoes, thinking, 'What the fuck am I doing?' That feels quite weird.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avid" to describe someone with a sustained and active interest in something. For example, an "avid reader" consistently reads books, not just occasionally.

Common error

Avoid using "avid" when describing casual interest. "Avid" implies a significant commitment and enthusiasm, not just a passing fancy.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "avid" primarily functions as an attributive adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone who is enthusiastic or passionate about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is commonly used to express enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avid" is a commonly used adjective to describe someone who is enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular activity or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and common usage. It is found mostly in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. While synonyms like "enthusiastic" and "passionate" exist, "avid" specifically implies a sustained and active commitment. Remember to use it when describing someone with a genuine and consistent interest, avoiding overstatement for casual engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiastic

Indicates a general excitement and interest, similar to "avid" but can sometimes imply a more outward display of emotion.

passionate

Suggests a deep, heartfelt commitment, possibly more intense than a simple interest conveyed by "avid".

keen

Implies eagerness or willingness, which can be less intense than the dedicated interest of "avid".

zealous

Describes excessive enthusiasm or devotion, potentially more intense and unwavering than "avid".

devoted

Implies loyalty and dedication, which focuses more on commitment than the enthusiasm suggested by "avid".

fervent

Indicates warmth and intensity of feeling, conveying a stronger emotional investment than simply being "avid".

eager

Focuses on anticipation and excitement, which is a component of "avid" but not its primary meaning.

voracious

Implies a large appetite or desire, which can relate to "avid" in terms of consumption but is less broad.

ardent

Signifies passionate and intense feeling, similar to "avid" but more focused on emotional expression.

hungry

Metaphorically describes a strong desire, less commonly used than "avid" for general enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "avid" in a sentence?

You can use "avid" to describe someone's enthusiastic interest in something. For example, "She is an avid gardener", or "He is an avid supporter of the team".

What words are similar to "avid"?

Synonyms for "avid" include "enthusiastic", "passionate", and "keen". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "avid for" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "avid for" something, although it's less common than saying someone is an "avid" [noun]. For example, "He was avid for knowledge".

What's the difference between "avid" and "eager"?

"Avid" implies a long-term commitment and passion, while "eager" suggests an immediate anticipation or excitement. You might be "eager" to see a movie, but an "avid" moviegoer watches films regularly.