Etymology Map
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Avid

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means having a keen interest

Where does the word "avid" come from? It comes from Latin avidus, adopted directly into English (1760s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
avidus
Latin · ancient
"eager, greedy"
from 'avere', to long for
2
Stage 2 of 2
avid
English · 1760s
"greedy"
'avid reader' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Avid’s story begins in Latin: avidus meant “eager, greedy.” From 'avere', to long for. It reached English by 1760s as avid. 'avid reader' dates from the 1900s. Today, avid means having a keen interest.