desirous

USAGE SUMMARY

Desirous is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means having or expressing a strong desire for something. For example, "She was desirous of getting the top job in her company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast to so many other actresses, she seemed as desiring as desirous, with the gift of a thrillingly unladylike appetite.

The New York Times - Arts

One may be desirous of that form, but in that case what one truly desires is that form's ultimate intelligible source in Intellect.

SEP

Two people can remain "in love" — a phrase made practically useless by stinking romanticism — only if their common desire for each other unites in a greater desire for God — i.e., they do not become satisfied but more desirous together of the supernatural love in union with God.

The New Yorker

His conversation, too, comes salted with words like "desirous" and "emboldened".

The Guardian - Film

The great Southern States, growers of cotton, dependent chiefly on this country for a market, and desirous to obtain our manufactures in exchange, at the smaller price, were always friendly to the lowest rates of duties; but, in the Northern States, we had two of the largest and most important classes opposed to an extension of trade with this country, and consequently to low rates of duties.

The Economist

The young Charlotte Bront�� wrote a short story called "Henry Hastings" which poked fun at the young advertiser "desirous of getting his bread easy", who seeks simply "possession of that one great and paramount virtue that eminent and irresistible charm C-A-S-H!"The big shift ocharm C-A-S-H the charm C-A-S-He first world war and the Spanish flu that followed.

The Economist

In Paris, meteorologists "desirous of making some observations of the atmosphere, had a sort of kite flown to a great height after which it was drawn in, covered with innumerable small black insects".

The Economist

For those desirous of establishing a viable theory of architecture for their own era, it is generally agreed that great stimulus can be found in studying historical evidence and in speculating on the ideals and achievements of those who created this evidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The issuance of postage stamps was followed soon after by the earliest reference to stamp collecting, an advertisement in The Times of London in 1841 placed by "a young lady, being desirous of covering her dressing-room with cancelled postage stamps".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since Maupeou hoped to establish an enlightened royal despotism, his measures aroused the fury of the nobles and wealthy bourgeoisie whose interests had been protected by the Parlements and who, however desirous of reform, were by 1771 unwilling to accept it from the hands of the king and his ministers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although excommunicated by Pope Alexander III and a supporter of antipopes in the 1160s and '70s, Frederick had made peace with the church in 1177 and for some time had been genuinely desirous of going on Crusade again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "desirous", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what the subject is longing for. A preposition such as "of" or "to" is typically required to connect "desirous" with the object of desire.

Common error

Avoid using "desirous" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and pretentious in contexts where simpler words like "wanting" or "eager" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "desirous" primarily functions to describe a subject's state of wanting or longing for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing a strong desire. It modifies nouns or pronouns, indicating a state of being eager or wishful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desirous" is an adjective used to describe a state of strongly wanting or longing for something. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and appropriate for use in written English, particularly in formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it conveys a sense of eagerness or wishfulness. Alternatives include "eager", "wishing", and "longing". While grammatically sound, using "desirous" in informal settings may sound out of place. Remember to follow it with "of" or "to" and clarify the object of desire for optimal clarity. Its formal tone marks it as distinct from the more casual "wanting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eager

Implies enthusiasm and readiness, differing in emotional intensity.

Avid

Implies great enthusiasm or eagerness, differing in intensity.

Wishing

Focuses on a hope or longing, differing in its contemplative nature.

Keen

Suggests enthusiasm or interest, differing in its level of excitement.

Longing

Emphasizes a deep yearning, differing in emotional depth.

Intent on

Highlights purposefulness, differing in its emphasis on determination.

Wanting

A more direct and simple expression of desire, differing in formality.

Aspiring

Indicates ambition, differing in its focus on a goal.

Inclined

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something, differing in directness.

Solicitous

Indicates attentiveness and concern, differing in its focus on care.

FAQs

How can I use "desirous" in a sentence?

You can use "desirous" to describe someone who strongly wishes for something. For example, "She was "desirous of getting" the promotion".

What can I say instead of "desirous"?

Alternatives to "desirous" include "eager", "willing", or "inclined", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "desirous to" or "desirous of"?

Both "desirous to" and "desirous of" can be grammatically correct, but "desirous of" is the more common and often preferred construction. "Desirous to" is typically followed by a verb, while "desirous of" is followed by a noun or gerund.

What's the difference between "desirous" and "desirable"?

"Desirous" describes someone who wants something, while "desirable" describes something that is worth wanting. For example, a person is "desirous" of a "desirable outcome".