ambition
Definitions
A strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal.
雄心，抱负；野心。
A particular goal or aim that one strives for.
追求的目标，志向。
Root Breakdown
Native Englishamb- (around) + it (go) = a going-about. In ancient Rome, candidates for office literally walked around the forum soliciting votes. That circuit of canvassing — the ambitio — became the word for the hungry drive to rise and succeed.
Root it still carries 29 more wordsWhy It Means This
ambition hides a vivid Roman scene. A candidate (the word 'candidate' comes from the white toga he wore) would go around — amb- + it — the forum, working the crowd for votes. That literal walking-about was the ambitio. Over time the physical canvassing faded and the inner drive behind it stayed, giving us the modern meaning: the burning wish to get ahead.
Common Collocations
- 1.fulfill an ambition实现抱负
- 2.harbour ambition心怀抱负
- 3.lifelong ambition毕生的志向
- 4.burning ambition炽热的雄心
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her ambition was to become a surgeon.
- 2.
He is a young man of great ambition.
- 3.
Their ambition to win the championship drove them all season.