adj.
Pronunciation: ' ē -g ə r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English egre, from Anglo-French egre, aigre, from Latin acer ― more at EDGE
Date: 14th century
1 a archaic : SHARP b obsolete : SOUR
2 : marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest
– ea · ger · ly adverb
– ea · ger · ness noun
synonyms EAGER , AVID , KEEN , ANXIOUS , ATHIRST mean moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest. EAGER implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint < eager to get started>. AVID adds to EAGER the implication of insatiability or greed < avid for new thrills>. KEEN suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action < keen on the latest fashions>. ANXIOUS emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment < anxious not to make a social blunder>. ATHIRST stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action < athirst for adventure>.