Desired

dɪˈzaɪərd

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To want something very much.

dɪˈzaɪər

verbneutralBeginner
General

To wish or long for; to want.

I desire a quiet weekend away.

💡 Simply: Wanting something a lot, like when you *desire* a slice of your favorite cake or really, really want a new toy for your birthday!

👶 For kids: Want something very much.

More Examples

2

She desired to become a doctor since she was a child.

3

The company desired to expand into new markets.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"I desire a peaceful evening after a long day."

Literature

"The protagonist desired the unattainable."

2

Something that is wanted or wished for.

dɪˈzaɪərd

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Wished for or wanted; regarded as pleasing or satisfactory.

The desired result of the project was success.

💡 Simply: If something is *desired*, it's what you're hoping for or like what you want from a birthday gift.

👶 For kids: Something you really want.

More Examples

2

She achieved her desired weight.

3

He received the desired promotion.

How It's Used

Business

"The desired outcome of the negotiation was a favorable agreement."

Personal Relationships

"The desired quality in a partner is kindness."

Tip:Think of a present you *desired*; you got the desired result!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

be desired

To be wanted or wished for.

"The product is highly desired by consumers."

From Middle English *desiren*, from Old French *desirer* ('to long for'), from Latin *dēsīderāre* ('to long for, wish for'), from *dē* ('from, away') + *sīdus* ('constellation, star'; hence, ‘to await what is ordained by the stars’ or ‘to miss’).

Used since Middle English, with meanings evolving from simple longing to broader application.

Memory tip

Think of a star (from etymology); you *desire* what seems far away.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to long for, wish for"

desired outcomedesired resulthighly desiredwidely desiredis desired

Common misspellings

desiereddeseireddesirred

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written