desirous
UK[dɪˈzaɪərəs]US[dɪˈzaɪərəs]
adj
having or characterized by desire; wanting something very much
Morpheme Breakdown
desire
ous
desire
to long for, wish for, desire
ous
full of, characterized by, having the qualities of
Etymology
the word desirous is formed from the english noun 'desire', which itself originates from the latin verb 'desiderare', meaning 'to long for, miss, or wish for'. the suffix '-ous', derived from latin '-osus', is a productive adjectival suffix in english meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'. therefore, the literal construction of 'desirous' is 'full of desire'. the semantic logic is direct and transparent: the adjective describes a state of being filled with or characterized by a strong wish or longing for something.
Analysis
Structure: desire + ous
desire (from latin 'desiderare', meaning 'to long for, wish for, desire') + ous (a suffix of latin origin forming adjectives, meaning 'full of, characterized by, having the qualities of')
Examples
she was desirous of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
he is desirous to learn more about the company's future projects.
they were desirous of obtaining his approval before proceeding.