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eager

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈiɡɝ// UK //ˈiːɡɐ// ea·ger Archaic

adj. wanting to do or have something very much. You use this to describe someone who is excited and ready to start a task.

adj. characterised by a keen interest or an intense desire to act. Often followed by an infinitive or the preposition 'for'.


SIMPLE

The students are eager to learn.

CONTEXTUAL

The eager young intern arrived thirty minutes early on her first day to impress the manager.

COMPLEX

While the board was eager for a quick resolution to the merger, the legal team insisted on a thorough review of the environmental liabilities.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-rós Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱrós Proto-Italic *akris Classical Latin ācer Late Latin ācrus Old French aigrebor. Middle English egre English eager Inherited from Middle English egre, eger, from Old French aigre, egre (modern French aigre), from Latin ācrus, variant of ācer (“sharp, keen”); see acid, acerb, etc. Compare vinegar, alegar.

Etymology 2

See eagre.

Usage

Commonly followed by a 'to' + infinitive or the preposition 'for' + noun phrase.

Pitfall

He is eager of startingHe is eager to startEager is followed by an infinitive, not 'of' + gerund.

Idioms1 entry

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