devoured

USAGE SUMMARY

'devoured' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of having been consumed or eaten quickly. For example, "The hungry bear devoured the picnic basket in a single gulp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a teenager in California he had devoured Musto's Village Voice columns and been thunderstruck by seeing Arias sing Billie Holiday songs in 1988 cult documentary Mondo New York.

The Guardian - Music

Malignant narcissists, though devoured by envy and rage, can still idealise powerful figures whose beliefs conveniently justify the destruction of those they denigrate, says Kernberg.

The Guardian

The lesson for Pat Rabbitte, the Labour chief whose honeymoon with the electorate has been over for some time, is stark and simple: the Shinners have stolen the constitutional clothes of the SDLP and, in the process, devoured them; the other party of Irish social democracy is surely next on Sinn Fein's hit-list.

The Guardian

In any case, I devoured these stories, and a number of them have been with me ever since.

The Guardian - Books

This Easter, while the hot-cross scones are being devoured at Violet, my husband and I are spending time in Joshua Tree, in the Californian desert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I devoured the second and third as soon as I could.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the book was published in 1992, I devoured it in a weekend.

The Guardian - Books

Else Ury wrote undemanding but inventive stories, and all of us at my primary school [in Germany, where Kerr lived as a child] devoured them, borrowed them from each other, discussed them and acted out the more dramatic episodes in the playground.

The Guardian - Books

I also devoured the NME and the Guardian with almost ferocious intent, writing letters to both publications with my thoughts on everything from the Red Army to Red Wedge.

The Guardian

I devoured African literature, studied African politics, wrote my thesis on African women and political power, worked in development, law and now journalism, all with a focus on Africa.

The Guardian

The reef will also be aided by an $89m boost to programs such as the Reef Trust, a Coalition plan to improve water quality and tackle threats such as a plague of starfish which has devoured much of the reef's coral.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoured" to vividly describe the act of consuming something quickly and often with great hunger or enthusiasm, whether it's food, information, or resources.

Common error

While "devoured" can add impact, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where a more neutral term like "consumed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devoured" is that of a verb, specifically the past tense of "devour". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of consuming something rapidly and completely. Examples show it used to describe both literal eating and figurative consumption of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "devoured" is a versatile verb, most often used in the past tense, to vividly describe consuming something quickly and completely, whether it's food, information, or even land. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts. The analysis of its usage patterns shows its prevalence in news and media, further solidifying its place as a common and effective word in the English language. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the specific tone and context to ensure it's the most fitting choice. Alternatives like "consumed rapidly" or "gobbled up" can offer nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gobbled up

Implies enthusiastic and rapid eating, similar to "devoured".

consumed rapidly

Focuses on the speed of consumption, similar to "devoured".

swallowed whole

Focuses on consuming something completely and without chewing.

consumed with enthusiasm

Highlights the eagerness associated with the act of consumption.

ate quickly

A more straightforward way to describe eating something fast.

finished off

Describes completing the consumption of something, with an emphasis on the end result.

ingested swiftly

A more formal way of saying something was eaten quickly.

wiped out

Implies complete removal or destruction, similar to "devoured" in a figurative sense.

obliterated

Emphasizes complete destruction, akin to "devoured" in certain contexts.

razed

Highlights complete destruction, similar to "devoured" when referring to landscapes or structures.

FAQs

How can I use "devoured" in a sentence?

You can use "devoured" to describe eating something quickly and eagerly, such as "The children devoured the cookies after school." It can also describe consuming information or other non-food items with enthusiasm, like "She devoured the novel in one sitting."

What can I say instead of "devoured"?

You can use alternatives like "consumed rapidly", "gobbled up", or "ate quickly" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "devoured" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In very formal contexts, a more neutral word like "consumed" might be preferable. However, "devoured" can add vividness and emphasis when appropriate.

What's the difference between "devoured" and "ate"?

"Devoured" implies eating something quickly and enthusiastically, while "ate" is a more general term for consuming food. "Devoured" suggests a sense of eagerness or hunger that "ate" does not necessarily convey.