desiderate

[ dih-sid-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·sid·er·at·ed, de·sid·er·at·ing.

1. to wish or long for.

desiderate

/ dɪˈzɪdəˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to feel the lack of or need for; long for; miss

Derived Forms

• deˌsiderˈation, noun

Other Words From

• de·sider·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desiderate¹

1635–45; < Latin dēsīderātus (past participle of dēsīderāre to long for, require), equivalent to dē- de- + sīder- (stem of sīdus ) heavenly body, constellation + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of desiderate¹

C17: from Latin dēsīderāre, from de- + sīdus star; see desire

Example Sentences

The opposition of the popes to the divorces of princes has been often since renewed, but this is the first example: we have seen Charlemagne repudiate Imiltrade, as also Ermengarde or Desiderate, without any opposition on the part of the Roman pontiff; but he was Charlemagne, and his great-grandson neither inherited his genius nor his power.

From Project Gutenberg

He will desiderate greater variety of testimony,—the utmost variety which is attainable.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, as the exciting sounds draw nearer and nearer, do I desiderate those eyes of Aristarchus, "whose looks were as a breeching to a boy."

From Project Gutenberg

Then, last of all, I desiderate urbanity.

From Project Gutenberg

And tenderness, too—but does that appear a mawkish thing to desiderate in life?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aspire
• choose
• crave
• envy
• please
• prefer
• want
• yearn