rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydesirousWanting something
adjective

desirous

dih-ZY-er-us/dɪˈzaɪərəs/

Having a wish or strong desire for something.

The gardener looks desirous of rain for the dry soil.

Older Black gardener looks eagerly toward rain clouds over dry thirsty garden, hands open wishing for rain.
Etymology
desirLatinlong for, wish for
+ousAnglo-Frenchfull of

The “full of” ending turns “long for” into a description of someone filled with a wish, rather than naming the wish itself.

In context

Mogobe Nuggets Of Wisdom Podcast68:46
we are very happy and desirous to make inroads with all of Botswana to cause and bring about the change that God is inspiring us to bring about.
Nuggets on The Power of Knowledge on Land as Property with Gilbert Sesinyi

More examples

  • She was desirous of further information.
  • The committee remained desirous of reaching agreement.
  • He seemed more desirous of praise than of advice.

Forms

desirous · more desirous · most desirous

desire noun — a wish or longing

Similar words

eager
Eager is more everyday and energetic; desirous is formal and often followed by of.
willing
Willing means prepared to do something; desirous means actively wanting it.