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desideratumsomething that is needed or wanted; a requirement or desired thing

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: something that is needed or wanted; a requirement or desired thing

Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈzɪdəˌrɑtəm/

Example Sentences

  • Free Wi-Fi has become a desideratum in every coffee shop.
  • A pizza button on every remote control would be my personal desideratum.
  • World peace remains humanity's greatest desideratum.

desideratum

NOUN

[/dɪˈzɪdəˌrɑtəm/]

something that is needed or wanted; a requirement or desired thing

a head chef points urgently at an empty spice rack while holding a half-prepared dish. His expression shows frustration as he realizes the missing ingredient will ruin the meal. The other kitchen staff stop their work and look around desperately for the needed spice. One assistant chef rushes toward the storage room while another checks other cooking stations.  something that is needed or wanted as a requirement for success
💡 Concept

a head chef points urgently at an empty spice rack while holding a half-prepared dish. His expression shows frustration as he realizes the missing ingredient will ruin the meal. The other kitchen staff stop their work and look around desperately for the needed spice. One assistant chef rushes toward the storage room while another checks other cooking stations. something that is needed or wanted as a requirement for success

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈzɪdəˌrɑtəm/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈzɪdəˌrɑːtəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootdesider-
Suffix--atum

Origin

From Latin desideratum, meaning 'something desired or wanted.' It comes from the verb desiderare, meaning 'to long for' or 'to wish for,' whose past participle form became this noun.

Breakdown

de- (from/away) + sider- (star/heavenly body) + -atum (past participle ending) - literally 'from the stars,' suggesting something longed for as if wishing upon a star

🎵Rhyme

momentumstratumdatum
momentum
stratum
datum

🔗Collocations

long-felt desideratum
urgent desideratum
major desideratum
fulfill a desideratum
identify desiderata

📝Examples

Free Wi-Fi has become a desideratum in every coffee shop.

😄 Fun example

A pizza button on every remote control would be my personal desideratum.

World peace remains humanity's greatest desideratum.

😄 Fun example

A self-cleaning house is every parent's desideratum.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

requirementnecessityneedwantwish

Antonyms

superfluityexcess

Related

desireaspirationgoalobjectiverequisite

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