C1adjective 2K

Eager

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈiːɡə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈiːɡər/"]/

Meaning of Eager

very interested and excited by something that is going to happen or about something that you want to do; showing this

In simple words: very excited and wanting something a lot

Eager in a sentence

• eager crowds outside the stadium
• Small eager faces looked up and listened.
• She is eager for *(= wants very much to get)* her parents' approval.
• Everyone in the class seemed eager to learn.
• They're **eager to please** *(= wanting to be helpful)*.
• They were only too eager to help us.
• Muir's friends were especially eager for him to write the book.
• We were eager for news.

How to use Eager

Use 'eager' when someone is enthusiastic about doing something. Avoid in overly formal situations; instead, use 'enthusiastic'.

Grammar pattern

eager + to + verb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'eager beaver' — imagine a beaver excitedly building a dam.

Related words

Collocations with Eager

• appear
• be
• look
• extremely
• only too
• really
• for

Synonyms for Eager

• enthusiastic
• keen
• excited
• ready
• willing

Opposites of Eager

• reluctant
• apathetic
• indifferent
• unenthusiastic

Common mistakes with Eager

• Confused with 'anxious', thinking they mean the same thing.
• 'Eager' is not used with a noun directly; learners sometimes say 'eager student' instead of 'eager to learn'.
• Using 'eager' in negative contexts incorrectly.

Frequently asked questions about Eager

What does Eager mean?

very excited and wanting something a lot

What is the definition of Eager?

very interested and excited by something that is going to happen or about something that you want to do; showing this

How do you use Eager in a sentence?

eager crowds outside the stadium

Can you give another example of Eager?

Small eager faces looked up and listened.

What are synonyms for Eager?

Common alternatives include enthusiastic, keen, excited, ready, willing.

What is the opposite of Eager?

Opposite meanings include reluctant, apathetic, indifferent, unenthusiastic.

What words go with Eager?

It commonly pairs with appear, be, look, extremely, only too, really, for.

What are common mistakes when using Eager?

Confused with 'anxious', thinking they mean the same thing. 'Eager' is not used with a noun directly; learners sometimes say 'eager student' instead of 'eager to learn'. Using 'eager' in negative contexts incorrectly.

How do you pronounce Eager?

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

When should I use Eager?

Use 'eager' when someone is enthusiastic about doing something. Avoid in overly formal situations; instead, use 'enthusiastic'.

What CEFR level is Eager?

"Eager" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.