desires

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of desire.

   The novel explores the conflicting desires of its main characters.

   He learned to set aside his own desires for the good of the team.

   Note

   The plural belongs mostly to the countable side of desire: the particular people or things someone wishes for, which can be listed or set against one another. The feeling itself, and desire as romantic or sexual attraction, usually stay uncountable, so people speak of desire in general but of desires when there are several. The same spelling also serves as the verb after he, she or it.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of desire.

   The committee desires a clear answer before the deadline.

   She desires recognition for the work she has quietly done for years.

   Note

   A regular form: one -s added to the final e, used with he, she, it or a singular noun. In formal prose the verb often means asking rather than private longing, so a committee that desires an answer is requesting one. The verb can also mean to require or demand, and even to miss or regret, so context decides which meaning is intended.

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