adjective / noun
desirable
dih-ZYRE-uh-buhl/dɪˈzaɪərəbl/
Worth wanting or having for its appeal or benefits.
The comfortable reading chair is desirable to all three visitors.
Etymology
Old French desirrer meant “to wish or long for.” With the adjective ending, the focus shifts from the act of wanting to the qualities that make something worth wanting or choosing.
In context
… her daughter kuna gandha was 17 years of age fresh colored comely plump and desirable …
More examples
- The location made the house desirable.
- Several desirable features stood out.
- The catalog grouped its most desirable items.
Forms
desirable · desirables
desirability noun — the quality of being worth wanting
Similar words
- attractive
- Appealing without necessarily useful benefits.
- preferable
- Better than an alternative rather than desirable in itself.