What does "desire" mean?
The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Desire
/dɪˈzaɪə/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
- Grammar: desire is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: craving, longing, lust, want.
- Useful contrasts: undesiring, unwished, apathy.
- Usage evidence: The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn.
How to use "desire"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "desire" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "desire" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "desire" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "desire" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "desire" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "craving" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "desire", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something. uncountable, usually
"Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgement."
- 2 an inclination to want things wordnet
- 3 Someone or something wished for. countable, usually
"It is my desire to speak with you."
- 4 the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state wordnet
- 5 Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual. uncountable, usually
"His desire for her kept him awake at night."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 something that is desired wordnet
- 7 Motivation. uncountable, usually
Verb
- 1 To want; to wish for earnestly.
"I desire to speak with you."
- 2 feel or have a desire for; want strongly wordnet
- 3 To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
"And when they founde no cause of deeth in hym, yet desired they Pilate to kyll him."
- 4 express a desire for wordnet
- 5 To want emotionally or sexually.
"She has desired him since they first met."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 expect and wish wordnet
- 7 To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
"Then shee said, Did I desire a sonne of my Lord ? did I not say, Doe not deceiue me?"
- 8 To require; to demand; to claim.
"A doleful case desires a doleful song."
- 9 To miss; to regret.
"She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies."
Antonyms
Example
"The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "desire"?
Common synonyms include: craving, longing, lust, want, yearning, ache.
How do you use "desire" in a sentence?
The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn.
How do you pronounce "desire"?
Pronounced /dɪˈzaɪə/.
Etymology
From Middle English desir, desire (noun) and desiren (verb), from Old French desirer, desirrer, from Latin dēsīderō (“to long for, desire, feel the want of, miss, regret”), apparently from de- + sidus (in the phrase de sidere, "from the stars") in connection with astrological hopes. Compare consider and desiderate. The verb, along with Old Norse derived want (verb), has mostly replaced native will in modern English.