desire
word
/dɪˈzaɪɝ/
di-ZY-ur
/dɪzˈaɪə/
di-ZY-uh
Definition
A strong feeling of wanting something, or to want something strongly. It can refer to emotional, physical, or ambitious wishes depending on the context.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and literary English, and less common than 'want' in everyday speech. As a noun, it often appears in phrases like 'a desire for change' or 'sexual desire'; as a verb, 'desire' sounds more formal than 'want'.
Spanish: deseo - desearPortuguese (BR): desejo - desejarPortuguese (PT): desejo - desejarChinese (Simplified): 渴望 - 欲望 - 想要Chinese (Traditional): 渴望 - 慾望 - 想要Hindi: इच्छा - चाहArabic: رغبة - يشتهيBengali: ইচ্ছা - আকাঙ্ক্ষাRussian: желание - желатьJapanese: 欲望 - 強く望むVietnamese: khát khao - mong muốn (mạnh mẽ)Korean: 욕망 - 갈망하다Turkish: arzu - istek - dilemekUrdu: خواہش - آرزوIndonesian: keinginan - hasrat
Example Sentences
She has a strong desire to learn English.
basic
Many people desire a better life.
basic
His only desire was to see his family again.
basic
I don't desire fame; I just want to do meaningful work.
natural
There was a clear desire for change in the meeting.
natural
If you desire more information, please contact our office.
natural