rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: ire
Latin

ire

go

Forms

  • ire
  • i- — A short form used before some endings.
  • it- — A form used in action nouns and related formations.

Origin

From an ancient Indo-European verb for going.

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A runner interrupts lacing her spikes to gaze with eager determination at a championship trophy displayed beyond her.
noun

ambition

am-BIH-shuhn/æmˈbɪʃn/

A strong desire directed toward achievement.

Etymology
ambLatinon both sides or around
+itLatingo
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The original image was going around to solicit votes, which linked canvassing with a desire for honor or advancement. Ambition later broadened from an often-disapproved craving for status to a potentially positive drive to achieve.

Full entry

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