etymology · 1200s–1300s
desire
Drift #29 · Jun 10, 2026 · emotion
Meaning comparison
Today it means
a strong feeling of wanting something
It used to mean (1200s–1300s)
to await what the stars have in store; to note astrological omens
Etymology
'Desire' comes from Latin 'desiderare' — from 'de' (away from) + 'sidus' (star). To desire was originally to feel the absence of a star's favour; to await what the stars had not yet revealed. The astronomical sense faded as the word absorbed the general meaning of longing for anything one lacks.
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How the meaning shifted over time
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In Historical Context
The astrologer studied the night sky for hours, desiring to know what the heavens portended for the kingdom before the new year began.
drift fact
'Consider' shares the same star root — 'con' + 'sidus' — to observe the stars carefully before making a decision.
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