gori: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, can be formal (when describing geography) or informal (when describing eating).
Quick answer
What does “gori” mean?
to eat a large amount of food greedily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to eat a large amount of food greedily.
1. To fill oneself excessively with food; to overeat. 2. To consume something in large quantities, often to the point of excess. 3. A deep, narrow valley with steep, rocky sides, often with a stream running through it (noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun form 'gorge' for a valley is common in both, though in the US, 'canyon' might be more frequent for larger formations.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation for the verb. The noun is neutral.
Frequency
The verb 'to gorge' is slightly more frequent in UK English. The noun is equally common in geographical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gori” in a Sentence
[sb] gorge[s] on [sth][sb] gorge[s] themselves[sb] gorge[s] themselves on [sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gori” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the marathon, he gorged on fish and chips.
- The children gorged themselves on sweets from the pick and mix.
American English
- We gorged on popcorn during the movie.
- Black bears will gorge on berries before hibernation.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The company gorged on cheap debt before the crisis.'
Academic
Common in geography/earth sciences for the noun. Verb is rare.
Everyday
Most common for the verb describing excessive eating.
Technical
Primarily the noun in geography/geology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gori”
- Confusing 'gorge' (verb) with 'gouge' (to cut or scoop out).
- Using 'gorge' as a noun for any valley (it implies steep, narrow sides).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun (valley) is formal/neutral. The verb (to overeat) is informal and critical.
A gorge is typically narrower and steeper-sided than a canyon. 'Canyon' (especially in the US) often describes larger, more open formations.
Rarely. The verb always implies excess. You might say 'gorge on a good book' metaphorically, but it still suggests a lack of restraint.
It comes from the physical sensation of nausea, where one feels as if vomit (the 'gorge', an old word for throat/stomach) is rising.
to eat a large amount of food greedily.
Gori: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɔːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɔːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make one's gorge rise (to cause disgust)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GORILLA (sounds like 'gorge') greedily eating a huge pile of food in a deep valley.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMPTION IS A RAVINE (one falls into it, consumed by it). DESIRE IS A BOTTOMLESS PIT.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'gorge' correctly as a NOUN?