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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