he intensity of _desire_.
_Desire_ has a wide range, from the highest objects to the lowest;
_desire_ is for an object near at hand, or near in thought, and viewed
as attainable; a _wish_ may be for what is remote or uncertain, or even
for what is recognized as impossible. _Craving_ is stronger than
_hankering_; _hankering_ may be the result of a fitful and capricious
_appetite_; _craving_ may be the imperious and reasonable demand of the
whole nature. _Longing_ is a reaching out with deep and persistent
demand for that which is viewed as now distant but at some time
attainable; as, the captive's _longing_ for release. _Coveting_
ordinarily denotes wrong _desire_ for that which is another's. Compare
APPETITE.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for ANTIPATHY.

Prepositions:

The desire _of_ fame; a desire _for_ excellence.

* * * * *

DESPAIR.

Synonyms:

desperation, despondency, discouragement, hopelessness.

_Discouragement_ is the result of so much repulse or failure as wears
out courage. _Discouragements_ too frequent and long continued may
produce a settled _hopelessness_. _Hopelessness_ is negative, and may
result from simple apathy; _despondency_ and _despair_ are more emphatic
and decided. _Despondency_ is an incapacity for the present exercise of
hope; _despair_ is the utter abandonment of hope. _Despondency_ relaxes
energy and effort and is always attended with sadness or distress;
_despair_ may produce a stony calmness, or it may lead to _desperation_.
_Desperation_ is energized _despair_, vigorous in action, reckless of
consequences.

Antonyms:

anticipation, confidence, encouragement, expectation, hopefulness,
assurance, courage, expectancy, hope, trust.
cheer, elation,

* * * * *

DEXTERITY.

Synonyms:

adroitness, aptitude, cleverness, expertness, readiness, skill.

_Adroitness_ (F. _a_, to, and _droit_, right) and _dexterity_ (L.
_dexter_, right, right-hand) might each be rendered "right-handedness;"
but _adroitness_ carries more of the idea of eluding, parrying, or
checking some hostile movement, or taking advantage of another in
controversy; _dexterity_ conveys the idea of doing, accomplishing
something readily and well, without reference to any action of others.
We speak of _adroitness_ in fencing, boxing, or debate; of _dexterity_
in horsemanship, in the use of tools, wea