Definition of Desire
Desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. It can refer to an emotional longing, an ambition, or an intense craving for a person, object, or experience.
Synonyms of Desire
Desire has many synonyms, each varying in intensity and context. Below is a breakdown of its strongest to weakest matches.
Strongest Matches (Most Intense Synonyms)
- Craving – An intense, almost uncontrollable longing for something.
- Lust – A strong, passionate longing, often associated with physical attraction.
- Yearning – A deep, persistent, and emotional desire.
- Hunger – A desperate need or strong urge for something.
- Thirst – A figurative or literal longing, often used for knowledge, power, or affection.
Strong Matches (Moderate Intensity Synonyms)
- Aspiration – A strong ambition or goal-oriented desire.
- Longing – A deep, melancholic yearning for something unattainable.
- Passion – An intense enthusiasm or devotion towards something.
- Covetousness – A strong desire for something belonging to another.
- Ambition – A determined and focused desire to achieve success.
Weak Matches (Less Intense Synonyms)
- Inclination – A tendency or preference towards something.
- Wish – A mild or fleeting desire for something to happen.
- Fancy – A lighthearted or whimsical desire.
- Interest – A mild curiosity or attraction towards something.
- Hankering – A casual or passing desire for something.
Example Sentences Using Desire
- His deep desire to travel the world kept him motivated to save money.
- She had a strong desire for justice and fairness.
- The athlete’s desire to win pushed him beyond his limits.
- Their desire for each other was undeniable.
- He expressed a desire to learn multiple languages.
Contextual Usage of Desire
1. Personal Development:
- “Desire is the starting point of all achievement.”
2. Romantic Relationships:
- “Their mutual desire for each other grew stronger over time.”
3. Career & Ambition:
- “A desire to innovate drove the entrepreneur to start his company.”
4. Spiritual and Philosophical:
- “Buddhism teaches that desire is the root of suffering.”
5. Consumer & Material Wants:
- “The new smartphone was designed to spark consumer desire.”
Related Words
- Antonyms: Disinterest, apathy, indifference, reluctance.
- Associated Words: Motivation, drive, yearning, temptation, enthusiasm.
- Etymology: Derived from Latin desiderare, meaning “to long for, to wish for.”
- Psychological Perspective: Often linked with human motivation and the pleasure principle in psychology.
- Philosophical Aspect: Some philosophies, like Stoicism, advocate for controlling desires to attain inner peace.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, meanings and connotations of words can vary depending on context and usage. Please consult a dictionary or language expert for precise definitions in specific scenarios.
