Ambitions

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Strong desires to achieve success lead individuals to set challenging goals
2. Motivations that inspire individuals to reach their highest potential are commonly termed as such
3. Determined longings aimed at reaching significant success

Etymology: "Ambitions" is the plural of "ambition," so it names several of these strong drives at once. The singular comes from Latin "ambitio," which literally meant "a going around." That literal sense comes from Roman politics. "Ambire" combined "ambi-," meaning "around," with "ire," "to go," and a candidate seeking office would walk from door to door and through crowds to win votes. "Ambitio" was the name for that canvassing. Over time the meaning shifted from the act of soliciting support to the inner drive behind it, the wish to rise and succeed.

Synonyms: aspirations, desires, goals, dreams, objectives

Antonyms: indifference, apathy, contentment, complacency