What is desire? Pronunciation and usage in English

desire means . Learn how to pronounce and use desire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of desire

desirenoun

/dɪˈzʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of desire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "desire" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational explanation:

Phonetic Symbols (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/dɪˈʒaɪər/

Let's break that down:

  • dɪ: Sounds like "di" as in "did"
  • ˈʒaɪ: This is the tricky part. It's a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound). It's roughly like saying "zhay" – think of the "s" in "measure" or the "j" in "judge." It’s a sort of "zh" sound followed by an "ee" sound.
  • ər: Sounds like "er" as in "her" (a short "er" sound)

More Conversational Breakdown:

  1. "De": Say "de" as in "bed."

  2. "Si": Say "si" as in "sit."

  3. "Re": This is the key. It’s a sound not often used in English. It’s a combination of "zh" (like the "s" in "measure") and "ee" (as in "see"). It’s a voiced postalveolar fricative.

    • Tip: Imagine you're trying to say "measure" but instead of the "s" sound, you're making a buzzing "zh" sound, and then quickly following it with a “ee” sound. It’s a unique sound!

Resources to Hear It:

  • Google Translate: Type "desire" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (This is often a good starting point).
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/desire/ - This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce desire" on YouTube – you’ll find many helpful videos.

Tips for Practicing:

  • Start slow: Don’t try to rush it. Focus on getting the "zhay" sound right.
  • Listen and repeat: Listen to the examples and try to mimic the pronunciation as closely as you can.
  • Record yourself: Recording yourself saying the word and comparing it to a native speaker can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word desire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "desire" in English. It's a versatile word with a core meaning of wanting something, but it can be used in many different ways.

1. Basic Meaning: A Strong Want

  • Definition: At its simplest, "desire" means to have a strong feeling of wanting something, often something you don’t have.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a desire to travel the world." (A strong wish/hope)
    • "She felt a deep desire for love." (A powerful longing)
    • "He has a strong desire for success." (A yearning)

2. Grammatical Forms & Usage

  • Desire (Noun): This is the most common form, referring to the feeling itself.
    • "My desire is to learn Spanish."
    • "He expressed his desire clearly."
  • Desiring (Verb - Gerund/Present Participle): Used like a verb, often describing an ongoing process.
    • "She is desiring a new car." (She wants a new car – implying she’s actively pursuing it)
    • "He was desiring her company." (He wanted to be with her)
  • Desirous (Adjective): Describes someone or something that has a desire.
    • "She is a desirous listener." (She wants to listen attentively)
    • "The company is desirous of expanding its market." (The company wants to expand)

3. Different Shades of Meaning – How “Desire” Can Be Used to Add Nuance

  • Yearning: A deep, often wistful, desire. It usually implies a sense of longing for something lost or unattainable.
    • "He's consumed by a yearning for his homeland."
  • Longing: Similar to yearning, but often focuses on a specific absent thing.
    • "She felt a longing for the days of her childhood."
  • Craving: A very intense and often urgent desire, frequently for something physical, like food or a substance.
    • "He had a craving for chocolate."
  • Ambition: A strong desire for achievement or success.
    • "She has great ambition in her career."
  • Affection/Passion: Can describe a strong desire for someone or something emotionally. “A deep desire for connection.”

4. Common Phrases Using "Desire"

  • To have a desire for…: (as in, "I have a desire for chocolate.")
  • To fulfill one's desire: (to satisfy a desire)
  • Driven by desire: (motivated by a strong desire)
  • A desire to…: (expressing a wish or intention) "A desire to help others."
  • Denied a desire: (that a desire wasn’t granted)

5. Examples in Sentences – Putting it all together:

  • "Despite facing many hardships, she held onto her desire to become a doctor." (Strong want)
  • “He was desiring her smile, a precious reminder of happier times.” (Desiring – verb)
  • "She is a desirous student, always eager to learn more." (Desirous – adjective)
  • "The old photograph evoked a yearning for simpler days." (Yearning)
  • “The addict was consumed by a craving for heroin.” (Craving)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of using "desire" in? (e.g., creative writing, a specific conversation, an academic essay?)

Synonyms for the word desire

Comment ()