Crave Meaning
/kɹeɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo desire strongly, so as to satisfy an appetite; to long or yearn for.
verbTo ask for earnestly; to beg or demand, as from a figure of authority.
Sentence Examples
You should always crave for Chinese food.
As the Duke of Zhou said, "It is beneficial not to crave personal benefit."
The heat is making me crave for an ice cream.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the long hike, they began to ____ cold water and rest.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You should always ____ for Chinese food.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English craven, from Old English crafian (“to crave, ask, implore, demand, summon”), from Proto-West Germanic *krafōn, from Proto-Germanic *krafjaną (“to demand”). Cognate with Danish kræve (“to demand, require”), Swedish kräva (“to crave, demand”), Icelandic krefja (“to demand”), Norwegian kreve (“to demand”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"My deeds upon my head! I crave the law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond."
— c. 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, act IV scene i:
"I crave your honour's pardon."
— c. 1603-04, William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, act II scene ii:
"Joseph […] went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Mark 15:43:
"It is the bright day that brings forth the adder and that craves wary walking"
— 1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After the long hike, they began to ____ cold water and rest.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You should always ____ for Chinese food.