The phrase "thirsting after" can be spelt out as /ˈθɜr.stɪŋ ˈæf.tər/. The first word begins with the voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/, which is followed by the short vowel sound /ɜr/ and the alveolar consonant /st/. The second word starts with the voiced dental fricative sound /ð/, which is followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ and the dental fricative sound /f/. The final syllable ends with the schwa sound /ər/. "Thirsting after" means desiring or longing for something deeply.
Thirsting after is an idiomatic expression that denotes a strong desire or longing for something. This phrase typically implies an intense yearning or craving that is comparable to a physical thirst for water.
In a figurative sense, thirsting after conveys an insatiable and intense hunger for an object, goal, experience, or even a person. It embodies the idea of wanting or pursuing something relentlessly and passionately. This phrase alludes to the sensation of feeling emotionally or mentally parched and being driven to seek fulfillment or satisfaction.
When someone is said to be thirsting after something, it usually implies a deep longing or ambition that is not easily satisfied. It often suggests an unquenchable desire that propels individuals to make significant efforts and sacrifices in order to achieve their desired outcome.
The notion of thirsting after can refer to various aspects of life, including material possessions, success, power, knowledge, love, or any other pursuits that captivate and engage the human spirit. It is an expression used to illustrate the strength and intensity of one's yearning or hunger for an aspiration or fulfillment.
Overall, thirsting after encapsulates an ardent, relentless pursuit of something or someone, indicating an insatiable craving or desire that pushes individuals to go to great lengths in order to obtain what they seek.
The etymology of the phrase "thirsting after" can be understood by examining the roots and historical use of its constituent words.
1. Thirst: The word "thirst" originated from the Old English word "thyrstan" or "thyrst", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thurston", meaning a strong desire or craving. It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ters", which means "to dry" or "become dry".
2. After: The word "after" comes from the Old English word "æfter", which also existed in Old Saxon ("after"), Old Frisian ("efter"), and Old Norse ("eftir"). Its origin can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*aftiri", meaning "behind", "later", or "in succession".