Desire
/dɪˈzaɪər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA strong longing or craving, as for something that brings enjoyment or satisfaction.
/dɪˈzaɪər/
A strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen.
He expressed a strong desire to travel the world.
💡 Simply: Desire is when you really, really want something, like a new toy or a delicious snack. It’s that feeling in your tummy making you think about getting it!
👶 For kids: Wanting something a lot.
More Examples
Her desire for success motivated her to work harder.
The company aims to satisfy customer desires with its new product.
How It's Used
"The study explored the underlying desires that drive human behavior."
"Cultivating a strong desire for self-improvement can lead to significant personal growth."
To feel or express a strong wish or hope for; want.
/dɪˈzaɪər/
To strongly wish for or want something.
She desired to be a doctor since she was a child.
💡 Simply: To desire means to really, really want something, like wishing on a star that you could have something!
👶 For kids: To want something a lot and hope you can get it.
More Examples
They desire peace and harmony in the world.
He desires a promotion at work.
How It's Used
"The protagonist desired to escape his mundane life."
"She desired a deeper connection with her partner."
Idioms & expressions
lust after
To strongly desire someone or something, often in a sexual or possessive way.
"He lusted after the expensive sports car."
a heart's desire
Something that you want very much.
"Winning the championship was the team's heart's desire."
From Old French *desir* (noun) and *desirer* (verb), ultimately from Latin *dēsīderāre* meaning 'to long for, to want'.
In older texts, 'desire' could also carry a connotation of sexual longing or lust, a meaning still present in some contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a dessert you really want - that intense craving is desire.