craving
B2Predominantly informal or semi-formal; used in everyday, medical, psychological, and self-help contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A powerful, urgent, and often persistent desire for something, typically a specific substance, food, or experience.
Can also refer to a deep emotional or intellectual longing for something intangible, such as affection, recognition, or a change in life circumstances.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an intensity that borders on physical need. The object of the craving is usually specified (e.g., craving *for* chocolate, craving *to* travel).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major usage differences in meaning. The verb 'to crave' is used identically.
Connotations
Equally strong in both dialects. Slightly more clinical/pop-psychological in US media.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a craving FOR somethingexperience a craving FOR somethinga craving TO DO somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Craving is the root of all suffering (Buddhist-inspired saying)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'a craving for market dominance.'
Academic
Common in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to discuss addiction, eating disorders, and motivation.
Everyday
Very common, especially regarding food, drink, or activities (e.g., 'I have a craving for pizza').
Technical
Used specifically in addiction therapy (cue-induced craving) and obstetrics (pica cravings).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She craved a cup of proper tea.
- The programme left viewers craving the next episode.
American English
- He craves salty snacks after a workout.
- The team craves a championship win.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not a standard adjective form. 'Craven' is a different word (cowardly).
American English
- Not a standard adjective form. 'Craven' is a different word (cowardly).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a craving for ice cream.
- She felt a craving for her mother's cooking.
- Pregnant women often experience strange food cravings.
- He couldn't focus because of his craving for a cigarette.
- After a month of dieting, she finally gave in to her craving for chocolate cake.
- The addict described the craving as a physical pain.
- His craving for approval drove him to extreme lengths.
- Meditation can help you observe a craving without acting on it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GRAVE needing to be filled – a CRAVING is an emptiness that feels just as serious and demands to be filled.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAVING IS HUNGER / CRAVING IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'A wave of craving hit me', 'I'm starving for your attention').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'желание' when it's mild. Use 'сильное желание', 'тяга', 'непреодолимое желание', 'ломка' (for substance withdrawal). 'Craving' is stronger than просто 'хотеть'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'craving' without 'for' (*'I have a craving chocolate'*). Using it for mild preferences (*'I have a craving to watch TV tonight'* - too weak).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'craving' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in those contexts, you can have a craving for positive things: 'a craving for adventure', 'a craving for knowledge'.
'Craving' is much more intense, urgent, and often has a physical or compulsive component. A 'desire' can be calm and rational.
Yes, the verb is 'to crave'. It follows similar patterns: 'I crave solitude', 'She craves recognition'.
The most common pattern is 'have/experience/feel a craving FOR [noun]' or 'a craving TO [verb]'. E.g., 'a craving for sweets', 'a craving to travel'.