adjective
eager
EE-ger/ˈiːɡər/
Strongly wanting to do or receive something.
The eager young athlete leans forward, ready to begin the race.
Etymology
Latin acer linked physical sharpness with emotional intensity. English “eager” first described fierceness or ardor, then came to mean keen desire—the sharpness of strongly wanting something.
In context
Fortunato is eager to try the drink so when Montresor suggests that Fortunato might be too busy to taste it and that his competitor Lucchesi could do so instead Fortunato insults lucchesi's palette and insists on trying
More examples
- I'm eager for news about your interview.
- She's an eager student who always asks questions.
- After weeks of rain, we're more eager than ever to get outside.
Forms
eager · more eager · most eager
eagerly adverb — With strong desire or excited interest.
eagerness noun — Strong desire to do or receive something.
Similar words
- enthusiastic
- Emphasizes excitement and approval rather than wanting something strongly.
- impatient
- Adds frustration with waiting, which eager does not necessarily imply.