French word

désireux

Pronunciation

IPA/deziʁø/

Meaning

  • adjectiveeager

Example

Ils sont désireux de commencer.

They are eager to start.

Illustration for désireux (eager)

More examples

Je suis désireux d'apprendre.

I am eager to learn.

Core concept

A person strongly turned toward a goal, with both eagerness and readiness to act.

Common phrases

  • être désireux de

    be eager to ___

  • désireux d'apprendre

    eager to learn

Similar words

enthousiaste: Feeling excited and joyful about an event or activity and eager to take part.
impatient: Finding it hard to wait and wanting something to start or progress quickly.
motivé: Having a clear goal or reason and wanting to work toward it.
intéressé: Being curious about something and wanting to learn more or become involved.

Definition in French

Qui éprouve un vif désir et montre de la volonté pour obtenir ou faire quelque chose.

Word origin

Désireux comes from Old French desirous, formed from désir with the adjective ending -eux and ultimately related to Latin desiderare, 'to long for'.

Usage tips

  • Désireux is somewhat formal or literary, while everyday speech often uses vouloir or avoir envie de.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word