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Desirable: Definition and Synonym Exploration
Desirable – Definition and Part of Speech
The adjective desirable describes something that is appealing or attractive enough to be wanted or sought after. It conveys a sense of worthiness or desirability due to possessing qualities that are considered positive or beneficial.
Grammatical Forms
- Desirability (noun): The quality of being desirable.
- Desire (verb/noun): To want something; the act of wanting or feeling attracted toward something.
Core Synonyms
Here, we present a selection of synonyms for “desirable” along with their nuances and example usage in different registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attractive | Primarily focuses on physical or aesthetic appeal. | “The new design of the car is highly attractive.” | Informal/Aesthetic Context |
| Alluring | Implies an enticing quality, often with a hint of mystery. | “Her alluring personality captivated everyone at the party.” | Creative/Creative Writing |
| Appealing | Emphasizes overall attractiveness or charm. | “The apartment’s location makes it very appealing to potential buyers.” | Business/Formal Context |
| Prized | Suggests a high value or esteem, often due to rarity or quality. | “His advice is highly prized among colleagues.” | Formal/Academic |
| Coveted | Implies strong desire, sometimes with a hint of envy from others. | “The limited edition sneakers were coveted by collectors worldwide.” | Informal/Slang Context |
Usage Notes
- Attractive: Best used in contexts where physical appearance or aesthetic qualities are the focus. It is common in casual and creative writing.
- Alluring: Ideal for creative contexts where a subtle, enticing charm is being described, adding an element of intrigue or mystery.
- Appealing: Suitable for business or formal communications when discussing overall benefits or qualities that make something desirable on multiple levels (e.g., functionality, location).
- Prized: Appropriate in formal and academic settings where the emphasis is on value, esteem, or rarity. Often used to describe something highly esteemed by a knowledgeable group.
- Coveted: Commonly used in informal contexts when describing items or qualities that are intensely desired, possibly leading to competition.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake learners make is using synonyms interchangeably without considering their connotations or specific context requirements:
- Attractive vs. Alluring: While both can refer to physical beauty, “alluring” often carries a connotation of mystery or seduction.
- Appealing vs. Desirable: “Desirable” suggests a broader appeal than just attractiveness; it’s more about overall worthiness.
Final Recap
To expand your vocabulary effectively:
- Use attractive when focusing on physical appearance.
- Choose alluring to imply charm with a hint of mystery.
- Opt for appealing in business or formal discussions highlighting general advantages.
- Employ prized when discussing high value or esteem, especially in academic contexts.
- Select coveted in informal settings where strong desire and possible competition are highlighted.
Engage with these synonyms by crafting sentences that fit different scenarios. Experiment with them in conversation or writing to deepen your understanding of their nuances!