ehrgeizig

ambitious

adjective AIR-gye-tsikh Less Common

Origin: from Ehrgeiz (ambition), literally 'honour-greed'

Usage Note

ehrgeizig describes ambition in people and in plans: ein ehrgeiziges Ziel (an ambitious goal). It is usually neutral to positive, but can hint at ruthlessness depending on tone. The noun Ehrgeiz combines Ehre (honour) and Geiz (greed).

Examples

"Die junge Anwältin ist ausgesprochen ehrgeizig."

Natural Translation

The young lawyer is decidedly ambitious.

Literal Translation

The young lawyer is decidedly ambitious.

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