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Today it means

ambition

a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal

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Where does the word "ambition" come from? It comes from Latin ambitio, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "ambition" come from? It comes from Latin ambitio, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Ambition’s story begins in Latin: ambitio meant “a going around, canvassing for support.” Literally a going around, describing candidates canvassing for votes. It reached English by 1300s as ambition. Broadened from seeking office to a strong desire for success or achievement. Today, ambition means a strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ambitio "a going around, canvassing for support", literally a going around, describing candidates canvassing for votes.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s ambition "a strong desire for success or achievement", broadened from seeking office to a strong desire for success or achievement.

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