A thirst for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A thirst for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or eagerness to learn and acquire new information. Example: "Her thirst for knowledge drove her to read countless books and attend numerous lectures throughout her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She had a thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

I felt a thirst for knowledge in all of them.

The Guardian

She came from Greece, she had a thirst for knowledge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He's easily coached, talented with a thirst for knowledge, what more do you want," Sheens said.

The Guardian - Sport

We are, by nature, curious beings with a thirst for knowledge of the world around us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kauser told police he had downloaded the information out of "curiosity and a thirst for knowledge".

The Guardian

"It showed there's a thirst for knowledge here," with nowhere for debate to properly flourish.

The Guardian

She mentions two traits associated with Asperger's: a thirst for knowledge and a love of music.

The Guardian - Music

There was a thirst for knowledge about what was behind the dance," she recalls.

The Guardian

She has such a thirst for knowledge and I didn't have that.

Independent

The unnamed St Martins student with a "thirst for knowledge" featured in Pulp's 1995 hit has been in recent headlines.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thirst for knowledge" to describe a strong, inherent motivation to learn, especially when referring to someone's character or lifelong pursuit.

Common error

Avoid using "a thirst for knowledge" in situations where simple interest or curiosity would suffice. This phrase implies a deep-seated desire for understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thirst for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong desire or eagerness to learn and acquire new information. Ludwig examples show it being used to characterize individuals, generations, and motivations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thirst for knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a strong desire to learn and understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news media and academic settings. While versatile, it's most effective when used to convey a deep-seated passion for learning rather than a fleeting interest. Alternatives like "eagerness to learn" or "intellectual curiosity" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. It's a powerful way to highlight someone's dedication to education and intellectual pursuits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An eagerness to learn

Emphasizes enthusiasm and readiness to acquire new information.

A hunger for learning

Uses a different metaphor to convey a strong need for knowledge.

A passion for learning

Highlights the emotional investment in acquiring knowledge.

A desire for understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than just accumulation of facts.

An intellectual curiosity

Highlights the inquisitive nature that drives the pursuit of knowledge.

A keen interest in learning

Indicates a strong and active engagement with learning.

A strong appetite for knowledge

Uses "appetite" as a metaphor, suggesting a natural and healthy desire.

A voracious appetite for knowledge

Increases the intensity of the desire, implying insatiable curiosity.

A deep interest in learning

Focuses on the profundity and significance of the person's interest.

An insatiable curiosity

Indicates a never-ending quest for knowledge and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "A thirst for knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "a thirst for knowledge" to describe someone who is very eager to learn and understand things, such as: "Her thirst for knowledge led her to excel in her studies."

What are some alternatives to "A thirst for knowledge"?

Some alternatives include "an eagerness to learn", "a hunger for learning", or "intellectual curiosity", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "A thirst for knowledge" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a thirst for knowledge" is suitable for formal settings as it is a well-recognized and respected phrase. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "A thirst for knowledge" and "Curiosity"?

"A thirst for knowledge" implies a deep-seated, persistent desire to learn, whereas "curiosity" is a more general interest in something new or unknown. "A thirst for knowledge" suggests a continuous pursuit of understanding.