Desire Meaning

UK /dɪˈzaɪə/
US /dɪˈzaɪɚ/
Word Definition
desire meaning

Desire Definition & Usage

noun

A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something that is difficult or impossible to obtain.

Examples

  • "Her desire for adventure led her to travel the world."
  • "He expressed a deep desire for success in his career."
  • "The desire for peace is a common hope shared by all nations."
  • "Many people have a desire for fame and recognition."
  • "Their desire to own a house became a central goal in their life."
verb

To strongly wish for or feel a need for something, often used with a personal or emotional object.

Examples

  • "She desires a life filled with adventure and discovery."
  • "They desire peace and harmony in their community."
  • "I desire to be understood by others."
  • "He desires a promotion, but it may require more experience."
  • "They desire a return to the simpler times of childhood."
noun

A strong wish or craving for a material or tangible item.

Examples

  • "His desire for a new car was undeniable."
  • "She has a desire for designer clothes."
  • "The desire for wealth can drive people to make extreme decisions."
  • "They tried to satisfy their desires by buying expensive gadgets."
  • "After years of living modestly, he finally fulfilled his desire for luxury."

Cultural Context

The word 'desire' has been used for centuries, primarily in the context of human longing for something unattainable. It often appears in literature, philosophy, and religious texts, reflecting the idea of an inner yearning or a striving for a better life. In some cultures, desire is seen as a motivating force that drives individuals to improve their lives, while in others, it is viewed as a source of suffering or conflict, especially in Buddhist philosophy where desire is seen as one of the causes of human suffering.

The Endless Pursuit

Story

The Endless Pursuit

Eleanor had always been a woman of ambition. From a young age, she felt an insatiable desire to succeed, to prove herself capable of achieving greatness. Her journey from a small town to the bustling city was driven by the simple, yet profound, desire for a better life. She was determined to escape the confines of her past and build something that would last. Yet, as the years passed, Eleanor found herself caught in a paradox. While she had achieved much of what she once thought would bring her happiness—wealth, a prestigious job, and even fame—something was still missing. It wasn’t until she sat down one quiet evening, reflecting on her life, that she realized what she truly desired was not material success, but peace. She desired inner contentment, a sense of balance that had always eluded her in the chaos of her pursuit of external rewards. In that moment, Eleanor understood that the strongest desires are often not for what we think we need, but for what we have neglected in the chase for other things.

The Endless Pursuit