Words / B1

di-ZEYE-uh/dɪˈzaɪə/

A desire is a strong wish: a desire for change; a desire to + verb. Want is everyday; wish can be weaker. As a verb, desire is slightly formal. Uncountable in some uses (show desire). Do not write “desire of doing” — use to-infinitive. Manifestos: a desire for decent housing.

Meaning

A strong wish for something; as a verb, to want it (slightly formal).

Examples

• “There is a clear desire for longer library hours before exams.”
• “She desired a transfer, which sounds formal — wanted is everyday.”

Good to know

a desire for + noun; a desire to + verb. Everyday: want. Formal verb: desire. Not “desire of doing”. Uncountable: little desire to.

Near in meaning

wish

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