eagerness

Word Origin & History

late 13c., "strenuous, ardent, fierce, angry," from Old French aigre "sour, acid; harsh, bitter, rough; eager greedy; lively, active, forceful," from Latin acrem (nominative acer) "keen, sharp, pointed, piercing; acute, ardent, zealous" (see acrid).

Meaning "full of keen desire" (early 14c.) seems to be peculiar to English. The English word kept an alternative meaning of "pungent, sharp-edged" till 19c. (e.g. Shakespeare's "The bitter clamour of two eager tongues," in "Richard II"). Related: Eagerly; eagerness.

Example Sentences for eagerness

Obstacles will only increase his eagerness and multiply his artifices.

But the eagerness was all gone from his, and only the pallor left.

And it was with eagerness that I accepted the touching invitation.

She opened her eyes with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words.

In his eagerness, he saw no one save the woman whom he loved.

In his eagerness, Chicago Red moved toward his questioner—unwisely.

He put the question with an eagerness that seemed all sincere.

He was leaning forward in his eagerness; he looked so zealous to be my champion—so honest!

In her eagerness, it was as if the halo of joy that surrounded her were quivering.

It seemed idle to go beyond that, and her eagerness would not have allowed it.

eagerness

excitation

exuberance

fervor

fire

greed

impatience

inquisitiveness

libidinousness

eagerness

More words related to eagerness

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enthusiasm