"desire for" vs "desire of"

Question

"desire for" vs "desire of"

Both 'desire for' and 'desire of' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Desire for' is more commonly used when expressing a longing or wish for something, while 'desire of' is used in a more formal or literary context to indicate possession or belonging.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'desire for' when expressing a longing or wish for something. It indicates the object of the desire.

Examples:

She had a strong desire for success.
His desire for adventure led him to travel the world.
I have a great desire for knowledge.

Alternatives:

longing for
wish for
craving for
yearning for
thirst for

Use 'desire of' in a more formal or literary context to indicate possession or belonging. It is less common in modern English.

Examples:

The desire of the heart is known only to the heart.
The book explores the desires of the characters.
The painting captures the desires of the artist.

Alternatives:

possession of
belonging of
longing of
wish of
craving of

Answer 1

desire for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

desire of

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

"desire for" vs "desire of"

desire for

desire of

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