Reading Theme:
Ambition: Definition, Usage & Key Distinctions (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：strong drive to succeed (ambition)
ambition
/æmˈbɪʃn/
n.
A strong desire and determination to achieve something important or successful.
strong drive to succeed
➕
/strɒŋ draɪv tuː səkˈsiːd/
n.
A powerful, positive internal force that motivates a person to pursue and achieve significant, often long-term, goals.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ambitio' (canvassing for votes), from 'ambire' (to go around).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'I AM on a mission'. The 'ambi-' sounds like 'I am', and you're on a determined mission to achieve your goal.
📖 Example
Her ambition to become a doctor kept her studying late into the night.
Her powerful motivation to become a medical professional was the reason she continued studying long after dark.
🔗 Collocations
burning ambition – an extremely powerful and passionate desire
political ambition – a desire to gain a position in government or politics
achieve one's ambition – to successfully reach a long-held goal
🔄 Synonyms
aspiration (n.) – A hope or ambition of achieving something.
goal (n.) – The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
dream (n.) – A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.
🚫 Antonyms
apathy (n.) – Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern; the opposite of drive.
indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or importance placed on achieving goals.
lethargy (n.) – A lack of energy and enthusiasm, resulting in inactivity.
🌱 Derivatives
ambitious (adj.) – Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
ambitiously (adv.) – In a manner characterized by strong desire to achieve success.
ambitiousness (n.) – The quality of being ambitious.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'ambition' originates from Latin 'ambitio', which meant 'canvassing for votes' (literally 'a going around'). This reflects its original political context of seeking favor or office. Over time, its meaning broadened to denote the strong desire to achieve any significant goal or status, though the connotation of striving for power remains.
Meaning 2：desire for power (ambition)
ambition
/æmˈbɪʃn/
n.
A strong desire for power, fame, or wealth, sometimes suggesting a willingness to do questionable things to get it.
desire for power
➕
/dɪˈzaɪə fɔː ˈpaʊə/
n.
A consuming desire to attain positions of authority, influence, fame, or wealth, which may involve prioritizing this goal over ethical considerations or the well-being of others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The manager's ambition for a promotion made him sometimes ignore his team's needs.
His intense focus on attaining a higher position occasionally led the manager to overlook the requirements and welfare of his staff.
🔗 Collocations
ruthless ambition – a drive to succeed that is cruel and shows no pity for others
naked ambition – ambition that is obvious and not hidden, often in a disapproving way
driven by ambition – motivated primarily by the desire for personal advancement or power
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
contentment (n.) – A state of happiness and satisfaction, without desire for more.
humility (n.) – A modest or low view of one's own importance; lack of pride.
selflessness (n.) – Concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.
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