Definition of 'desirous'

Word Frequency

desirous

(dɪzaɪərəs )

adjective

If you are desirous of doing something or desirous of something, you want to do it very much or want it very much.

[formal]

Desirous of knowing something about the operations, I stood and watched the spectacle.

The enemy is so desirous of peace that he will agree to any terms.

Synonyms: wishing, wanting, longing for, willing for More Synonyms of desirous

Word Frequency

desirous in British

(dɪˈzaɪərəs )

adjective

(usually postpositive and foll by of)

having or expressing desire (for); having a wish or longing (for)

Derived forms

desirously (deˈsirously)

adverb

desirousness (deˈsirousness)

noun

Word Frequency

desirous in American

(dɪˈzaɪrəs ; dizīrˈəs)

adjective

desiring; having or characterized by desire

Word origin of 'desirous'

ME < OFr desireus < LL desiderosus < L desiderare: see desire

Example sentences containing 'desirous'

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She becomes alienated from her own desirous strivings. Bloom, Carol & Gitter, Andrea (contributor) & Gutwill, Susan (contributor) & Kogel, Laura (contributor) & Zaphiropoulos, Lela (contributor) Eating Problems: A Feminist Psychoanalytic Treatment Model (1994)Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)Anne cowered deeper into her pillows as if desirous of hiding herself forever from mortal eyes. LM Montgomery Anne of Green Gables (1872)Flora had been long desirous to effect a regular call at Abbotstoke, and it was just now that she succeeded. Charlotte M. Yonge The Daisy Chain (1837)Several years ago, an editor whom I was desirous to impress called me in to see her. Times, Sunday Times (2014)