Main Entry:

¹de·sire

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈzī(-ə)r, dē-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

de·sired; de·sir·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French desirer, from Latin desiderare, from de- + sider-, sidus heavenly body

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for <desire success>2 a: to express a wish for : request <they desire an immediate answer> barchaic : to express a wish to : ask3obsolete : invite4archaic : to feel the loss ofintransitive verb: to have or feel desire

synonyms desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim <desires to start a new life>. wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable <wishes for permanent world peace>. want specifically suggests a felt need or lack <wants to have a family>. crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need <craves sweets>. covet implies strong envious desire <covets his rise to fame>.