Relating to or driven by appetite, hunger, or the desire for something.
From Latin appetitius, derived from appetitus (appetite). Used in psychology and philosophy to describe desires and cravings that are instinctive rather than rational. The suffix -ive means 'having the quality of' or 'tending to.'
Psychologists love this word because it distinguishes between cravings your body makes you feel (appetitive desires) versus things you decide you want (rational goals). Your brain's 'reward system' is all about appetitive motivation—which is why cookie ads are so hard to resist!
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