View synonyms for desire

desire

[ dih-zahyuhr ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, de·sired, de·sir·ing.

to wish or long for; crave; want.
Synonyms: fancy, covet
to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request:
The mayor desires your presence at the next meeting.
Synonyms: solicit

noun

a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment:
a desire for fame.
Synonyms: thirst, appetite, hunger, aspiration
an expressed wish; request.
something desired.
sexual appetite or a sexual urge.

desire

/ dɪˈzaɪə /

verb

to wish or long for; crave; want
to express a wish or make a request for; ask for

noun

a wish or longing; craving
an expressed wish; request
sexual appetite; lust
a person or thing that is desired

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Derived Forms

deˈsirer, noun

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Other Words From

de·sired·ly [dih-, zahyuhrd, -lee, -, zahy, -rid-], adverb
de·siredness noun
de·sireless adjective
de·sirer noun
de·siring·ly adverb
over·de·sire noun
self-de·sire noun
unde·siring adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English desiren, from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre; desiderate ( def )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of desire¹

C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin dēsīderāre 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

Désiré Bouillard had a witty way with him, his far shrewder neighbour thought—had thought for years.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor Désiré, being a widower, was apt to oversleep himself, and it was bad for his trade.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't know what happened out there, only that Aunt Désiré is to be brought home to-morrow.

From Project Gutenberg

Joyce drew a long breath when it was all over, and, with her arm around Madame Désiré's shoulder, smiled down at Jules.

From Project Gutenberg

She would have been seventy-three this month, and her name was Désiré.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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

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