desire in 30 Sekunden
- Desire is a verb meaning to strongly wish for something.
- It is more formal and intense than the common verb 'want'.
- It is a stative verb, so it is rarely used in continuous forms.
- Commonly used in literature, formal requests, and romantic contexts.
To desire something is to experience a powerful, often deep-seated longing or yearning for it. Unlike the simple act of 'wanting,' which can be fleeting or superficial, desire implies a more intense emotional or psychological drive. It is the fuel behind human ambition, the spark of romantic attraction, and the core of many philosophical inquiries into human nature. When you desire something, it occupies your thoughts and motivates your actions toward attainment.
- Intensity
- It suggests a higher degree of passion than 'wish' or 'like'.
- Formality
- It is frequently found in formal writing, literature, and legal or religious contexts.
- Object of Desire
- It can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts like freedom, or romantic interest.
"The heart often desires what the mind knows is impossible, yet it persists in its longing."
In a psychological sense, to desire is to identify a gap between one's current state and a preferred future state. This verb often takes a direct object or a 'to-infinitive' phrase. For instance, one might desire success or desire to travel. It is important to note that while 'want' is the everyday choice, 'desire' elevates the tone, making the sentiment feel more profound or significant.
"He desired nothing more than to see his family safe after the long journey."
- Semantic Range
- Covers everything from basic biological needs to high-level spiritual aspirations.
"The committee desires your presence at the gala."
Using the verb desire correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and social register. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires an object. You can desire a noun (a thing) or desire to do an action (a verb). It is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form in standard English because it is a stative verb—it describes a state of being or feeling rather than a physical action.
- Pattern 1: Verb + Noun
- Example: 'She desires a better life for her children.'
- Pattern 2: Verb + To-Infinitive
- Example: 'They desire to change the current policy.'
- Pattern 3: Verb + Object + To-Infinitive
- Example: 'The King desired him to leave the room immediately.'
In professional contexts, 'desire' is often used in the passive voice or in formal requests to soften a command or express a collective wish. For example, 'It is desired that all staff attend the meeting' sounds more authoritative yet polite than 'Everyone must come.' This usage is common in corporate handbooks and official correspondence.
"The results were exactly what the researchers had desired."
The verb desire resonates across various domains, from the pages of classic literature to the high-stakes world of marketing. In literature, it is the quintessential word for expressing the inner turmoil of characters. In advertising, brands use it to elevate their products from 'needs' to 'aspirations'.
- Literature & Poetry
- Used to convey deep romantic longing or existential yearning.
- Marketing & Luxury
- Brands create 'desire' for products that aren't strictly necessary but are highly sought after.
- Legal & Formal
- Found in wills ('I desire my estate to be divided...') or formal invitations.
"In the realm of luxury, we don't sell what people need; we sell what they desire."
You will also hear it in cinematic dialogue, especially in period dramas or epic romances. It carries a weight that 'want' simply cannot match. When a character says 'I desire you,' it carries a much heavier romantic and physical connotation than 'I like you.' In news reporting, it might be used to describe the collective will of a population: 'The people desire peace after years of conflict.'
While desire is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who treat it as a direct synonym for 'want' in every situation. The most common error is using it in a register that is too casual.
- Mistake 1: Casual Overuse
- Saying 'I desire a burger' sounds strange. Use 'want' or 'would like' for everyday cravings.
- Mistake 2: The Continuous Tense
- Incorrect: 'I am desiring to go home.' Correct: 'I desire to go home' (though 'want' is better here).
- Mistake 3: Confusing Verb and Noun
- 'Desire' is both a verb and a noun. Don't say 'I have a desire to chocolate' (needs 'for'). As a verb: 'I desire chocolate.'
Incorrect: "She is desiring more money."
Correct: "She desires more money."
Another mistake is failing to recognize the romantic undertones. If you tell a casual acquaintance 'I desire you,' it will likely be interpreted as a strong sexual or romantic advance, which might be inappropriate for the context. Use 'I would like to get to know you better' instead.
To truly master desire, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'wanting'. Each has a slightly different flavor.
- Crave
- Implies an intense physical or psychological need, often for food or a specific sensation (e.g., 'craving sugar').
- Yearn
- Suggests a persistent, tender, and often sad longing for something distant or lost (e.g., 'yearning for home').
- Covet
- To desire something that belongs to someone else, often with a hint of envy (e.g., 'to covet thy neighbor's house').
- Long for
- A very common phrasal verb that is slightly less formal than desire but more emotional than want.
"While many want success, only those who truly desire it will do the work required."
Choosing the right word depends on the intensity and the object. You crave chocolate, you yearn for a lost love, you covet a promotion, and you desire a meaningful life. 'Desire' is the most versatile and formal of these options.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Stative verbs in continuous tenses
Infinitive vs Gerund after verbs
The Subjunctive mood (It is desired that he be...)
Transitive verb objects
Passive voice construction
Beispiele nach Niveau
The king desires a gold crown.
The king wants a gold crown very much.
Simple present tense.
I desire to see the world.
I want to travel to many countries.
Desire + to + verb.
She desires a new bike.
She wants a new bike very much.
Third person 's'.
They desire peace.
They want no more war.
Desire + noun.
Do you desire a drink?
Do you want something to drink? (Very formal)
Question form.
He does not desire money.
He doesn't want money.
Negative form.
We desire to help you.
We want to help you.
Desire + to + verb.
The cat desires the fish.
The cat really wants the fish.
Subject-verb agreement.
She desired to become a famous singer.
She wanted to be a star in the past.
Past tense -ed.
The company desires to hire new staff.
The company wants to find new workers.
Formal business context.
He desires a quiet life in the country.
He wants to live in a peaceful place.
Desire + noun phrase.
What do you desire for your birthday?
What do you want for your birthday? (Formal)
Wh- question.
They desired a better education for their children.
They wanted their kids to go to a good school.
Past tense.
The teacher desires all students to finish the test.
The teacher wants the students to finish.
Desire + object + to-infinitive.
I desire to learn English well.
I want to speak English perfectly.
Infinitive as object.
He never desired fame or fortune.
He didn't want to be famous or rich.
Negative with 'never'.
Many people desire to travel after they retire.
It's a common wish for retirees.
General truth in present tense.
The artist desired to capture the beauty of the sunset.
The artist's goal was the sunset.
Expressing artistic intent.
She desires that her work be recognized.
She wants people to notice her hard work.
Desire + that-clause (subjunctive feel).
We desire a more sustainable future for the planet.
We want to protect the environment.
Abstract noun object.
He desired to make a difference in his community.
He wanted to help his neighbors.
Altruistic motivation.
Does she desire to move to another country?
Is she thinking about living abroad?
Interrogative with auxiliary 'does'.
The government desires to reduce unemployment.
The goal is to create more jobs.
Political/Official context.
I desire only to be left in peace.
I just want some quiet time.
Use of 'only' for emphasis.
The explorer desired to reach the summit before winter.
It was his intense goal.
Stronger than 'wanted'.
Few things are more desired than freedom.
Freedom is highly valued.
Passive voice used as an adjective.
He desired her to stay, but she had to leave.
He wanted her to remain there.
Desire + object + to-infinitive.
The software update includes the features desired by users.
Users asked for these features.
Past participle as adjective.
She earnestly desires to resolve the conflict.
She really wants to fix the problem.
Adverb 'earnestly' adds intensity.
What is it that you truly desire from life?
What is your deepest wish?
Cleft sentence for emphasis.
They desired to maintain their cultural traditions.
They wanted to keep their old ways.
Focus on preservation.
He had always desired a position of leadership.
He wanted to be a boss for a long time.
Past perfect tense.
The philosopher argued that humans naturally desire knowledge.
It's a basic human drive.
Academic/Philosophical context.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man must be in want of a wife.
Note: 'In want of' is a synonym for 'desiring'.
Literary allusion (Jane Austen).
She desired to transcend the limitations of her upbringing.
She wanted to go beyond her past.
Abstract/Elevated vocabulary.
The poem speaks of a soul desiring union with the divine.
A spiritual longing.
Present participle as an adjective.
He desired not just wealth, but the power that comes with it.
His ambition was complex.
Correlative structure 'not just... but'.
The treaty was exactly what both nations had long desired.
They had wanted this for a long time.
Past perfect with 'long'.
One might desire a more nuanced approach to the problem.
A more careful way is needed.
Modal 'might' for polite suggestion.
The protagonist's fatal flaw was desiring what he could not have.
He wanted the impossible.
Gerund as a subject complement.
To desire is to acknowledge a fundamental lack within oneself.
Desiring shows we are missing something.
Infinitive as subject.
Should you desire any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you want more help...
Inversion in a conditional clause.
He found himself desiring the very thing he had once despised.
His feelings changed completely.
Reflexive construction with participle.
The aesthetic of the building was designed to evoke a sense of desired luxury.
It was made to look expensive and wanted.
Adjectival use of the past participle.
Her heart's desire was finally within her grasp.
Her biggest dream was coming true.
Noun use in a common idiom.
The text explores how we desire through the lens of social media.
How social media affects what we want.
Intransitive use (focusing on the act).
He had no desire to participate in the charade any longer.
He didn't want to lie anymore.
Negative noun phrase.
The complexity of human motivation often stems from desiring contradictory outcomes.
We want things that can't both happen.
Gerund phrase as object of preposition.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
The verb and noun forms are identical in spelling and pronunciation.
'The desired effect' is a very common set phrase.
- Using 'desire' for trivial things like 'I desire a soda'.
- Using the continuous form 'I am desiring'.
- Confusing the verb 'desire' with the noun 'desire' in sentence structure.
- Using 'desire' when 'need' is more appropriate in a medical or survival context.
- Overusing it in casual emails, making them sound overly dramatic.
Tipps
Formal Writing
Use 'desire' in your cover letters to express your goals professionally.
Stative Rule
Remember not to use 'desire' in the -ing form in 99% of cases.
Collocations
Learn 'heart's desire' as a single unit to sound more natural.
Intensity
Be aware that 'desire' can sound very strong or even sexual in certain social contexts.
Precision
In essays, use 'desire' to describe the motivations of historical figures.
Formal Cues
When you hear 'desire' in a speech, it usually signals a key point or a formal request.
Softening
Use 'Should you desire...' instead of 'If you want...' to sound more polite.
Literary Context
When reading classics, look for how 'desire' drives the plot forward.
Variety
Swap 'want' for 'desire' occasionally in your writing to improve your lexical range.
Star Power
Remember the Latin root 'sidus' (star) to link desire with wishing upon a star.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
DE-SIRE: I DE-cided to SIRE (start) a new life because I DESIRE it so much.
Wortherkunft
Middle English, from Old French 'desirer'.
Kultureller Kontext
Desire is often viewed as something to be overcome to reach enlightenment.
The 'AIDA' model stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
19th-century poets celebrated desire as a pure and powerful human emotion.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"What is one thing you truly desire to achieve this year?"
"Do you think it's better to desire many things or be happy with what you have?"
"How does advertising create desire in people?"
"What do you desire most in a friendship?"
"If you could have your heart's desire right now, what would it be?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you desired something so much it changed your behavior.
Describe your 'heart's desire' in detail.
How has your desire for success evolved as you've gotten older?
Reflect on the difference between what you need and what you desire.
Write a letter to your future self about the life you desire to build.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'desire' is significantly more formal and carries more emotional weight than 'want'.
Generally, no. 'Desire' is a stative verb, so it is usually used in the simple present or past tense.
'Crave' usually refers to a physical or intense psychological need, often for food, while 'desire' is broader and more formal.
No, it can be used for any strong wish, such as a desire for peace, success, or knowledge.
You can use it in the passive: 'It is desired that all guests arrive by 8 PM.'
It means that something is not as good as it should be; it is disappointing.
Yes, it is both a verb and a noun. For example: 'My desire (noun) is to travel' vs 'I desire (verb) to travel'.
Yes, often in formal contexts like 'the desired outcome' or 'if you so desire'.
'Long for' or 'yearn for' are good synonyms, though 'desire' is very common in literature.
It is common in writing and formal speech, but less common in everyday casual conversation.
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Summary
Use 'desire' when you want to express a profound, serious, or formal longing. It elevates your language above everyday 'wanting' and adds emotional weight or professional courtesy to your sentences.
- Desire is a verb meaning to strongly wish for something.
- It is more formal and intense than the common verb 'want'.
- It is a stative verb, so it is rarely used in continuous forms.
- Commonly used in literature, formal requests, and romantic contexts.
Formal Writing
Use 'desire' in your cover letters to express your goals professionally.
Stative Rule
Remember not to use 'desire' in the -ing form in 99% of cases.
Collocations
Learn 'heart's desire' as a single unit to sound more natural.
Intensity
Be aware that 'desire' can sound very strong or even sexual in certain social contexts.
Beispiel
She desired nothing more than a peaceful life.
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr emotions Wörter
amuse
A2Jemanden zum Lachen oder Lächeln bringen.
anger
A2Zorn ist ein starkes Gefühl des Ärgers oder der Feindseligkeit.
crazy
B1Das Wort 'crazy' bedeutet verrückt oder wahnsinnig. Es wird oft verwendet, um eine unglaubliche Situation oder eine leidenschaftliche Person zu beschreiben.
cry
A2Weinen: Tränen aus den Augen vergießen, meist aus Traurigkeit.
dear
A2Lieber/Liebe: Wird verwendet, um Zuneigung auszudrücken oder einen Brief zu beginnen.
dislike
A2Nicht mögen, ablehnen. Ich mag dieses Wetter nicht.
dull
A2Etwas, das langweilig ist oder nicht scharf. Das Messer ist stumpf und der Tag ist trüb.
excitement
A2Wenn du dich auf etwas freust, bist du voller Vorfreude und Glück. Das ist ein tolles Gefühl!
fantastic
A2Außergewöhnlich gut oder attraktiv; phantastisch. 'Das ist eine fantastische Idee!'
feel
A1Ich fühle mich heute sehr glücklich.
