desiderium

[ des-i-deer-ee-uhm ]

/ ˌdɛs ɪˈdɪər i əm /

Save This Word!

noun, plural des·i·de·ri·a

[des-i-deer-ee-uh]. /ˌdɛs ɪˈdɪər i ə/.

an ardent longing, as for something lost.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of desiderium

From Latin, dating back to 1705–15; see origin at desiderate, -ium

Words nearby desiderium

desiccator, desiderata, desiderate, desiderative, desideratum, desiderium, design, designate, designated, designated driver, designated employment

How to use desiderium in a sentence

Forsitan tu admitteris si Desiderium vitae aeternae aliquando loqui cessaverit, V 209 d.
Selections from Early Middle English 1130-1250: Part II: Notes|Various
And all this said of a youth of twentyheu nimium brevis vi decus et desiderium!
Spare Hours|John Brown
Secunda propcnit vitam Christi ad excitandum in nobis desiderium ac studium eam imitandi.
A History of the Reformation (Vol. 2 of 2)|Thomas M. Lindsay
So in 47 desideratio is chosen rather than desiderium, to correspond with the neighboring titillatio.
Cato Maior de Senectute|Marcus Tullius Cicero

However morbid his fancies might become, desiderium could never take any but beautiful forms.
The Romance of Zion Chapel [3d ed.]|Richard Le Gallienne