Desire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desire
[dɪˈzaɪər ]
Definitions
strong feeling
A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
Synonyms
craving, longing, wish, yearning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desire |
Formal or neutral situations, often used in a broad range of contexts including professional settings, relationships, and personal aspirations.
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| wish |
Neutral and general situations, often involving something one would like to happen or something hypothetical. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| craving |
Informal situations, used to describe an intense and often immediate want for something, usually related to food or addictive substances.
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| longing |
Situations involving deep and often melancholic emotions, typically related to something out of reach or in the past.
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| yearning |
Situations involving strong, often persistent desires, typically emotional or existential in nature. It can have a somewhat poetic or old-fashioned tone.
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Examples of usage
- I have a strong desire to travel the world.
- She felt a burning desire to succeed in her career.
- He couldn't resist the desire to eat the delicious cake.
- We all have desires and dreams that motivate us.
want strongly
To strongly wish for or want something.
Synonyms
crave, long for, want, yearn for.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desire |
Used in a formal or literary context to express a strong feeling of wanting something. Often used for deep or important wishes.
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| crave |
Often used to express a strong physical or emotional need for something, especially when it's intense or insatiable. Commonly used in the context of food or addictions.
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| long for |
Used in a poetic or emotional context to express a deep, enduring longing or nostalgia for something, often something that is far away or unattainable.
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| yearn for |
Used to express an intense, often melancholic longing for something, similar to 'long for', but can have a slightly stronger emotional intensity. Often used in romantic or nostalgic contexts.
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| want |
A common and straightforward way to express a desire for something. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She desires a peaceful life away from the city.
- He desires to be the best in his field of expertise.
- They desire to make a positive impact on society.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'desire'
The word 'desire' originated from the Latin word 'desiderare', which means 'long for, wish for'. Over time, the term evolved to represent a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. The concept of desire has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting its role in human motivation and decision-making processes.