DictionaryAI

desire

di-ZYR/dɪˈzaɪɹ/UKdi-ZY-uh/dɪˈzaɪə/

Verbdesires, desiring, desired

Noun pluraldesires (some meanings)

8 meanings of desire

Practice

  1. 1
    wantverbtransitive
    To want something very much and hope to get it.

    Many children desire a pet of their own.

    She desires a quiet life far away from the noisy city.

    UsageDesire is a stronger, more formal word than want.

    Similarwant, crave, seek, covet

    Oppositedislike, reject, shun

    Note
  2. 2
    noununcountable
    A strong feeling of wanting something, including wanting to succeed or reach a goal.

    Like being hungry, but for things instead of food.

    Her desire to learn new things never goes away.

    The smell from the bakery filled her with desire for fresh bread.

    UsageSay a desire for something or a desire to do something.

    Similarwish, longing, yearning, craving, hunger

    Oppositeaversion, indifference, reluctance

  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A person or thing that someone wants very much.

    A house by the sea was her greatest desire.

    That little blue car in the shop window was his heart's desire.

    UsageSay my heart's desire for the thing you want most.

    Similarwish, dream, ambition, aspiration, goal

  4. 4
    sexual attractionnoununcountable
    A strong feeling of wanting someone in a romantic or sexual way.

    He could not hide his desire for her.

    Love can grow slowly, but desire often comes fast.

    Similarpassion, lust, attraction, longing, ardor

    Oppositeaversion, revulsion, indifference

Practice

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Origin

From Latin "desiderare" (to long for), which came into English through Old French "desirer".

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 3 facts