What does eager mean?
Eager is an adjective describing someone who feels strong, enthusiastic desire to do or obtain something. An eager learner looks forward to lessons; an eager volunteer cannot wait to begin. The word implies more than simple willingness — it suggests visible keenness, energy, and anticipation, which is why it often appears in contexts of opportunity, learning, and welcome news. It typically takes an infinitive ('eager to travel') or the preposition 'for' ('eager for recognition'). The tone is almost always positive, though calling someone 'too eager' can hint at impatience or excessive zeal. Etymologically, 'eager' has a striking history: it entered Middle English through Old French 'aigre', from Latin 'acer', meaning sharp or pungent — the same root that gives us 'acerbic' and 'acrid'. Over centuries its sense softened from physical sharpness to figurative keenness of appetite or desire. Related forms such as 'eagerly' and 'eagerness' extend its use into adverbs and nouns, making it a versatile staple of everyday English.
Keen or enthusiastic to do or have something; strongly desirous.
"He was eager to prove himself on the new team."
Usually followed by an infinitive or by 'for' plus a noun.
(Literary) Impatiently or anxiously expectant.
"She waited with eager anticipation for the results."
A less common, more formal or literary sense.
Before it meant keen with desire, 'eager' meant sour and sharp — it comes from Latin acer, the same root behind 'acerbic'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eager
Eager derives from Old French 'aigre', meaning sour or sharp, which comes from Latin 'acer' or 'acrem', meaning sharp, pungent, or ardent. It entered English in Middle English, where it could describe both literal sharpness of taste and figurative keenness. Over time the literal sense faded, leaving the modern meaning of keen desire or enthusiasm. Its Latin root also underlies words such as 'acerbic' and 'acrid'.
Related word forms
How eager is actually used
'Eager' carries a positive connotation of enthusiasm and readiness, though it can occasionally suggest impatience or overzealousness ('too eager'). It normally takes an infinitive complement ('eager to help'); using it with a preposition like 'for' is also standard when followed by a noun ('eager for news') rather than a verb. In American English, 'eager' and 'anxious' are sometimes used interchangeably, but careful writers reserve 'eager' for enthusiasm and 'anxious' for worry.
Easily confused with eager
An 'eagre' is a high tidal bore on a river (chiefly British dialect), while 'eager' means keen or enthusiastic.