emaciated
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪˈmeɪʃiˌeɪtɪd/
KK: /ɪˈmeɪʃiˌeɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Very thin and weak, often due to not eating enough or being sick.
Example
The emaciated dog was found wandering the streets, looking for food.
Conversation
Did you see that documentary about the stray animals?
Yes, it was heartbreaking, especially the part with the emaciated dog.
I know, I couldn’t believe how thin it was from being abandoned.
It really makes you appreciate how well we take care of our pets.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gaunt
wasted
scrawny
Antonyms
plump
healthy
robust
verb
Definition
To make someone or something very thin and weak, often due to lack of food or illness.
Example
The stray dog looked emaciated after wandering the streets for weeks without food.
Tense Forms
Past: emaciated
Past Participle: emaciated
Conversation
Did you see that documentary about the stray dogs?
Yeah, it was heartbreaking to see how emaciated they looked.
I know! It's so sad that they go through such suffering.
Root Explanation
Emaciated is formed from "emaciatus" (from Latin, meaning to make thin) which is derived from "e-" (meaning out of) and "maciare" (meaning to make thin). The word describes a state of being extremely thin or wasted away, often due to lack of nutrition or illness.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who has become 'thin' ('maciare') as they are 'made' ('e-') to lose weight — that's why emaciated means extremely thin.
Visually Confused Words
unemaciated
emancipate
hemacite
unemancipated
semifasciated
remancipate