Definition of ambitious

The word "ambitious" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the word "ambire," which means "to go around" or "to encircle." In Latin, "ambire" was used to describe the act of surrounding or encompassing something, and it was often used in the context of politics or war to describe the act of surrounding or besieging a city or fortification. In English, the word "ambitious" emerged in the 15th century, and it originally meant "having a desire to surround or encompass something." Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to describe a person's desire to achieve a goal or objective, often with a sense of urgency or eagerness. Today, the word "ambitious" is often used to describe someone who is driven to succeed, eager to make progress, and willing to take risks to achieve their goals.