gormand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (literary/archaic)Literary, archaic, occasionally humorous or pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “gormand” mean?
A greedy or ravenous eater.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A greedy or ravenous eater; a glutton.
A person who takes excessive pleasure in eating, often with connotations of being demanding or discerning in their tastes for high-quality or large quantities of food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'gourmand' is the dominant modern spelling in both regions. 'Gormand' is an older, now less common variant. The 'gourmand' spelling is universally accepted.
Connotations
Slightly stronger negative connotation (gluttony) in American usage. In British usage, it can occasionally carry a more neutral or even positive connotation of someone who simply enjoys good food heartily.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in literary or historical texts. 'Gourmand' is the preferred modern term but is still intermediate-low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “gormand” in a Sentence
[a/an] + (adjective) + gormandbe + a + gormand + for/of [food type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gormand” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/obsolete) He would gormand his way through the entire buffet.
American English
- (Rare/obsolete) They gormanded the Thanksgiving feast.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare) He ate gormandly, with little regard for manners.
American English
- (Extremely rare) Not in standard usage.
adjective
British English
- (Rare) His gormand habits were legendary in the dining club.
American English
- (Rare) She gave him a gormand smile as the dessert tray arrived.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The company was a gormand for acquisitions.'
Academic
Rare, found in historical or literary studies discussing character or social types.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be considered a deliberately colourful or old-fashioned word choice.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gormand”
- Misspelling as 'gourmand' (which is the standard modern spelling, so not a mistake per se).
- Using it to mean a sophisticated food critic (that's 'gourmet').
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' as in 'go' (it's a soft 'g').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A gormand is a gluttonous eater focused on quantity, often with negative connotations. A gourmet is a connoisseur of fine food and drink, focused on quality, with positive connotations.
No, it is archaic and low-frequency. The spelling 'gourmand' is more common but is still not an everyday word. 'Foodie' or 'big eater' are more contemporary terms.
Rarely. Its core meaning implies greed. However, in a humorous or affectionate context among friends, it might be used lightly to describe someone with a hearty appetite.
It can be pejorative, implying lack of restraint or manners. It should be used carefully when describing someone directly, as it is akin to calling them a glutton.
A greedy or ravenous eater.
Gormand is usually literary, archaic, occasionally humorous or pejorative. in register.
Gormand: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːmənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʊrmənd/ /ɡʊrˈmɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “eat like a gormand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GORilla eating a MOUND of food = GOR-MAND.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD ('He's a bottomless pit'), APPETITE IS A MONSTER ('His inner gormand took over').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'gormand'?