desirous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of desirous
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English word from Old French word desireus. See desire, -ous
Explanation
To be desirous of something is to want it. It's like being wishful. We’re all desirous of a safe place to sleep, food, and perhaps a little bowl of candy. When you desire something, you want it. Likewise, being desirous is a state of desire, want, and craving. A thirsty person is desirous of liquid. An eager employee may be desirous of a raise and a promotion. Dogs are often desirous of people food. This word can apply to small, momentary wants or deep, yearning needs.
Vocabulary lists containing desirous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Desirous of complying with the rules of the college from the start, they had prepared for sleep in much greater haste than usual, a proceeding which Veronica deplored most of all.
From Marjorie Dean College Freshman by Lester, Pauline
Desirous of concealing his misgivings from his companions, he put on a cheerful manner as he joined them.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
Desirous, yet fearful of knowing the worst, Antipho now calls out to his slave, who turns and comes up to him.
From Studies in the Poetry of Italy, I. Roman by Miller, Frank Justus
Desirous of escaping from the disagreeable companionship—into which he had been so unceremoniously, as well as unwillingly, drawn—the young courtier had taken advantage of the confusion, and trotted quietly away.
From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne
Desirous of knowing whereabouts in these parts the Welsh language ceased I interrogated several people whom I met.
From Wild Wales The People, Laguage & Scenery by Borrow, George Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
