desiderium

American  

[des-i-deer-ee-uhm] / ˌdɛs ɪˈdɪər i əm /

noun

plural

desideria

1. an ardent longing, as for something lost.

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Etymology

Origin of desiderium

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

Explanation

In literary contexts, you might read that a character experiences desiderium, a heartfelt yearning for someone or something that is gone. The word desiderium carries a sense of sadness, nostalgia, and perhaps regret. Desiderium is a word borrowed from Latin. An example of desiderium is wishing for "the gold old days" of your early childhood. It could also be missing a bygone era, a past love, or a place from your past with which you have a strong connection. In addition to the feeling of longing itself, the word desiderium is occasionally used figuratively for that which is missed, especially an abstract concept like youth or a spirit of camaraderie among friends.

Example Sentences

Modestia certare milites, ne quid ultra usum necessarium sumerent; nihil morari, nec abscedere ab signis nec subsistere nisi cibum capientes: diem 25 ac noctem ire; vix quod satis ad naturale desiderium corporum esset, quieti dare.

From Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Luce, Edmund

But the gnawing of grief till it becomes a physical pain, the fever fits of sorrow, the aching desiderium, bring back in many guises the old questions.

From Alfred Tennyson by Lang, Andrew

In Latin, desidero and desiderium best convey the import of this word.

From Notes and Queries, Number 181, April 16, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

Pectora pia tenet desiderium; simul inter Sese sic memorant—O Romule, Romule die, Qualem te patriæ custodem di genuerunt, O pater, ô genitor, ô sanguen dîs oriundum!

From History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Volume II by Dunlop, John

Recessus autem et accessus in motu liberi arbitru accipitur secundum detestationem et desiderium....

From Grace, Actual and Habitual A Dogmatic Treatise by Preuss, Arthur