Main Entry: ea·ger

Pronunciation: \ˈē-gər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English egre, from Anglo-French egre, aigre, from Latin acer — more at edge

Date: 14th century

1 a archaic : sharp b obsolete : sour
2 : marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest

— ea·ger·ly adverb

— ea·ger·ness noun

synonyms eager, avid, keen, anxious, athirst mean moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest. eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint <eager to get started>. avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed <avid for new thrills>. keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action <keen on the latest fashions>. anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment <anxious not to make a social blunder>. athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action <athirst for adventure>.