meaning of 'no appetite'

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Tan Elaine

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Jun 29, 2008
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Hong Kong
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When someone says he he has no appetite does it mean that he cannot eat any food at all as he is not hungry? Or does it also mean that he doesn't feel like eating although he can eat a little food if he wants to?

Thanks.
 
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I think it could be either.
 
In my experience, it tends to mean you're a bit under the weather. If you don't want to eat because you're not hungry,then "I"m not hungry just now" seems more natural. "I have no appetite" imples (to me) due to sickness.
 
In my experience, it tends to mean you're a bit under the weather. If you don't want to eat because you're not hungry,then "I"m not hungry just now" seems more natural. "I have no appetite" imples (to me) due to sickness.
...or disquietude or emotional distress.
 
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