C1adjective2K

Eager

UK /["/ˈiːɡə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈiːɡər/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • enthusiastic
  • keen
  • excited
  • ready
  • willing

Antonyms

  • reluctant
  • apathetic
  • indifferent
  • unenthusiastic

Common mistakes

  • 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.