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desire

de·sire

desire

 
 
pronunciation:
dih zaIr
parts of speech:
transitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: desires, desiring, desired
definition 1: to want or crave; yearn for.
The voters appear to desire change in this election.The immigrants desired a chance for prosperity.The ruler desired to expand his empire.[verb + infinitive ] She desired that her son inherit all of her property.[verb + (that) + subjunctive clause ]
synonyms:
desiderate, want, wish for
similar words:
care, covet, crave, fancy, hanker for, hunger, long for, lust, pine for, prefer, will, yearn for
definition 2: to request.
A young gentleman is desiring to speak with you.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
ask for, request
similar words:
demand, need, order, require, summon, want, wish
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a need or longing.
She's always had a desire to sing professionally.
synonyms:
desideration, hope, want, wish, yen
antonyms:
distaste
similar words:
ambition, appetite, belly, craving, hunger, itch, longing, lust, mind, need, preference, thirst, yearning
definition 2: a wish that has been expressed; appeal.
The king ignored the people's desire for justice.
synonyms:
appeal, petition, request, wish
similar words:
appeal, entreaty, importunity, order, petition, plea, solicitation, supplication
definition 3: sexual urge.
He found that the medication diminished his desire.
synonyms:
concupiscence, eroticism, lust
similar words:
appetite, lechery, libido, nymphomania, sexuality
definition 4: someone or something desired or longed for.
Fame had never been his desire.
synonyms:
hope, want, wish
similar words:
ambition, necessity, need, preference, prize, requirement
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
Word History
Desire comes from desiderare, a Latin word that means "to await what the stars will bring." The Latin word siderus means "star or heavenly body." Sometimes people wish upon a star for what they most desire.
Word Builder: desire +
  • desirable:
    pleasing or attractive.
Word Explorer
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