1 de·sire
Pronounced:
/dɪˈzajɚ/
Function:
verb not used in progressive tensesInflected forms:
de·sires; de·sired; de·sir·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 somewhat formal : to want or wish for (something) : to feel desire for (something) ▪ Many people desire wealth. ▪ He desired her approval more than anything. ▪ The apartment has modern amenities, a great location—everything you could desire. ▪ Those desiring [=looking for] a more relaxed atmosphere will prefer the pub in the restaurant's lower level. —sometimes followed by to + verb ▪ I have always desired [=wanted] to go to France.
2 : to want to have sex with (someone) ▪ She knew that men still desired her.
3 formal : to express a wish for (something) ▪ The committee desires [=requests] an immediate answer.
2 : to want to have sex with (someone) ▪ She knew that men still desired her.
3 formal : to express a wish for (something) ▪ The committee desires [=requests] an immediate answer.
leave much to be desired or leave a lot to be desired or leave a great deal to be desired
—used to say that something is not very good at all or is not close to being good enough ▪ Your work leaves much to be desired. ▪ Although her education left much to be desired, she was an extremely intelligent person. ▪ The working conditions here leave a lot to be desired.
—desired adjective ▪ an artist mixing paints to get a desired color ▪ a desired effect/result