aˈvidity
C2Formal/Literary/Technical
Definition
Meaning
Intense eagerness or enthusiasm; a strong desire for something, often bordering on greed.
In biochemistry, it refers to the combined strength of multiple bond interactions between a molecule and its binding partner (e.g., an antibody and antigen).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a degree of uncontrolled or excessive desire, more intense than simple eagerness. The biochemical sense is a formal, technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a slightly archaic or literary feel in general contexts. The technical sense is standard in scientific writing.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language in both regions. Higher frequency in specialised scientific/medical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + showed/displayed/had + avidity + for + [Object]Avidity + of + [possessor] + for + [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in literary descriptions of market behaviour: 'investors' avidity for the new stock'.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, or psychology to describe intense desire. The biochemical sense is common in immunology/biology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound formal or pretentious.
Technical
Standard term in immunology for the binding strength of antibodies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - No verb form. The base adjective is 'avid'.
American English
- N/A - No verb form. The base adjective is 'avid'.
adverb
British English
- N/A - The adverb is 'avidly'. E.g., 'He read the report avidly.'
American English
- N/A - The adverb is 'avidly'. E.g., 'She watched the game avidly.'
adjective
British English
- He was an avid collector of vintage stamps.
- She followed the news with avid interest.
American English
- She's an avid fan of baseball.
- He listened with avid attention.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too advanced for A2) He wanted the toy very much.
- The children looked at the presents with great eagerness. (Simpler synonym)
- The young scholar read every new book on the subject with surprising avidity.
- Investors showed an unusual avidity for the start-up's shares.
- His avidity for knowledge sometimes bordered on the obsessive, leaving little time for leisure.
- The antibody's clinical effectiveness is largely determined by its avidity for the antigen.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AVID (eager) + ITY (state of) = the state of being avid. Link it to 'avid reader' who reads with avidity.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS HUNGER (e.g., 'consuming avidity', 'voracious reader')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'greed' (жадность) или 'enthusiasm' (энтузиазм). 'Avidity' находится между ними, подразумевая сильный, часто неконтролируемый энтузиазм.
- В биохимическом контексте это строгий термин 'авидность', не 'активность' или 'сила'.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /æˈvɪdɪti/ (wrong stress or vowel).
- Confusing with 'avarice' (greed for wealth).
- Using in casual conversation where 'eagerness' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the technical term 'avidity' most commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday conversation, 'eagerness' or 'keenness' are far more common.
Avidity implies a stronger, more consuming, and sometimes less controlled desire than eagerness. It can have a slightly negative connotation of greed.
In biochemistry and immunology, it refers to the overall stability of a complex between a molecule (like an antibody) and its target, resulting from the strength of multiple individual bonds.
Yes, but context is key. 'Avidity for learning' is positive but suggests extreme enthusiasm. In most neutral or positive contexts, 'avid interest' or 'keenness' is safer.