Am*bi"tious (#), a. [L. ambitiosus: cf. F. ambitieux. See Ambition.]

1.

Possessing, or controlled by, ambition; greatly or inordinately desirous of power, honor, office, superiority, or distinction.

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man. Shak.

2.

Strongly desirous; -- followed by of or the infinitive; as, ambitious to be or to do something.

I was not ambitious of seeing this ceremony. Evelyn.

Studious of song, and yet ambitious not to sing in vain. Cowper.

3.

Springing from, characterized by, or indicating, ambition; showy; aspiring; as, an ambitious style.

A giant statue . . . Pushed by a wild and artless race, From off wide, ambitious base. Collins.

 

© Webster 1913.

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