51Թ

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View synonyms for

desire

[ dih-zahyuhr ]

verb (used with object)

desired, desiring.
  1. to wish or long for; crave; want.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request:

    The mayor desires your presence at the next meeting.

    Synonyms:



noun

  1. a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment:

    a desire for fame.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  2. an expressed wish; request.
  3. something desired.
  4. sexual appetite or a sexual urge.

desire

/ ɪˈɪə /

verb

  1. to wish or long for; crave; want
  2. to express a wish or make a request for; ask for
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a wish or longing; craving
  2. an expressed wish; request
  3. sexual appetite; lust
  4. a person or thing that is desired
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ·· [dih-, zahyuhrd, -lee, -, zahy, -rid-], adverb
  • ·n noun
  • ·l adjective
  • ·İ noun
  • ·iԲ· adverb
  • v·· noun
  • -· noun
  • ܲd·iԲ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of desire1

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English desiren, from Old French desirer, from Latin ŧī; desiderate ( def )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of desire1

C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin ŧī to desire earnestly; see desiderate
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Idioms and Phrases

see leave a lot to be desired .
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Synonym Study

Desire, craving, longing, yearning suggest feelings that impel one to the attainment or possession of something. Desire is a strong feeling, worthy or unworthy, that impels to the attainment or possession of something that is (in reality or imagination) within reach: a desire for success. Craving implies a deep and imperative wish for something, based on a sense of need and hunger: a craving for food, companionship. A longing is an intense wish, generally repeated or enduring, for something that is at the moment beyond reach but may be attainable at some future time: a longing to visit Europe. Yearning suggests persistent, uneasy, and sometimes wistful or tender longing: a yearning for one's native land.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Set in Vietnam in 2001 and focused, ostensibly, on its two eponymous characters, this is a film about mirrored visions of history and twinned versions of desire.

From

He has that desire and mindset to keep improving.

From

Talking with reporters Friday, Betts emphasized that his choice to go was not political, but rather because of his desire to be there for the team.

From

Audiences are constantly looking to see the wealthy get their butts handed to them, and the fervency of that desire has only grown as the disparity between economic classes has widened.

From

It criticised the administration's "bragging and arrogance" and "its desire to declare 'huge breakthroughs' when the first steps have barely been taken".

From

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When To Use

What are other ways to say desire?

To desire something or someone is to crave or long for them. How is desire different from want and wish? Find out on .

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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