B2noun 1K

Desire

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈzaɪə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈzaɪər/"]/

Meaning of Desire

a strong wish to have or do something

In simple words: A strong wish for something.

Desire in a sentence

• Her desire to travel the world consumed her thoughts daily.
• He felt a strong desire for change after years of living in the same place.
• Their desire for success pushed them to work hard every day.
• She expressed her desire to learn new languages every summer.
• The desire to connect with others is a fundamental human instinct.

How to use Desire

Used in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate in neutral contexts but might feel too strong or formal in casual conversations. Phrases like 'a desire to travel' are common.

Grammar pattern

desire + object

Memory hint

Think of 'desire' as 'desire- a higher fire' — your strong wish burns brightly.

Related words

Collocations with Desire

• burning
• deep
• fervent
• feel
• harbour/​harbor
• have
• desire for
• an object of desire
• burning
• deep
• fervent
• feel
• harbour/​harbor
• have
• desire for
• an object of desire

Synonyms for Desire

• wish
• longing
• craving
• yearning
• ambition

Opposites of Desire

• dislike
• aversion
• indifference

Common mistakes with Desire

• Confused with 'want' — 'desire' is stronger.
• Using 'desire' without an object — it needs something to be desired.
• Misplacing the stress in pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions about Desire

What does Desire mean?

A strong wish for something.

What is the definition of Desire?

a strong wish to have or do something

How do you use Desire in a sentence?

Her desire to travel the world consumed her thoughts daily.

Can you give another example of Desire?

He felt a strong desire for change after years of living in the same place.

What are synonyms for Desire?

Common alternatives include wish, longing, craving, yearning, ambition.

What is the opposite of Desire?

Opposite meanings include dislike, aversion, indifference.

What words go with Desire?

It commonly pairs with burning, deep, fervent, feel, harbour/​harbor, have, desire for, an object of desire, burning, deep, fervent, feel, harbour/​harbor, have, desire for, an object of desire.

What are common mistakes when using Desire?

Confused with 'want' — 'desire' is stronger. Using 'desire' without an object — it needs something to be desired. Misplacing the stress in pronunciation.

How do you pronounce Desire?

US: /["/dɪˈzaɪər/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈzaɪə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Desire?

Used in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate in neutral contexts but might feel too strong or formal in casual conversations. Phrases like 'a desire to travel' are common.

What CEFR level is Desire?

"Desire" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.