Eager Meaning and Definition
Eager
Pronunciation
/ˈiːɡər/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A person or thing that shows enthusiasm and eagerness; eager is a state of being eagerly looking forward to something.
Examples
- The eager student was thrilled to attend the concert.
- The company’s eager investors pumped millions into the start-up.
Synonyms
- Enthusiastic
- Exuberant
- Keen
Antonyms
- Indifferent
- Apathetic
- Lackadaisical
Etymology
The word “eager” comes from Old English “egere”, which means “ardent” or “ardorous”.
Usage Notes
Eager is often used to describe someone or something that shows a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. It can also be used to describe someone who is impatient or anxious for something to happen.
Cultural References
Eager has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the character E.T. Eager was a famous extraterrestrial in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
For example, “eager beaver” is an idiomatic expression meaning a hardworking and diligent person.
Related Words or Phrases
- Enthusiasm
- Motivation
- Passion
Collocations
For example, “eager learner” is a common collocation that describes someone who is enthusiastic about learning.
Frequency of Use
Eager is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in contexts such as education, business, and leisure activities.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “eager” include “egar”, “egger”, and “egry”.