Thirst for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thirst for knowledge.

Huffington Post

Murray had an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

Dee's thirst for knowledge was insatiable.

The Economist

"His thirst for knowledge is amazing.

Independent

Pat's thirst for knowledge never stopped.

The New York Times

Rodriguez's thirst for knowledge is legendary.

The New York Times - Sports

"She had a thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

The freedmen's thirst for knowledge was undeniable.

The New York Times

Thirdly, and most importantly: his thirst for knowledge.

The Guardian

His aides almost wept at his unslakable thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "desire for learning" or "intellectual curiosity" for variety, but maintain the original phrase's impact when emphasizing a deep-seated eagerness.

Common error

While "Thirst for knowledge" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific and nuanced terms depending on the context to maintain precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Thirst for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong desire or eagerness to learn and acquire information, as supported by Ludwig and its example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Thirst for knowledge" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a strong desire to learn and acquire information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally suitable for various registers, it's important to consider the specific context and opt for more precise language when necessary. Synonymous phrases like "desire for learning" or "intellectual curiosity" can offer variety. With an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase is highly regarded for its grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appetite for knowledge

Replaces "thirst" with "appetite", suggesting a strong desire for knowledge.

Avidity for information

Replaces "knowledge" with "information" and uses "avidity" to intensify the desire.

Desire for learning

Uses more general terms like "desire" and "learning" instead of the metaphorical "thirst" and "knowledge".

Intellectual curiosity

Specifically refers to curiosity related to intellectual pursuits.

Eagerness to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm for acquiring new information.

Zeal for knowledge

Uses "zeal" to denote a fervent enthusiasm for learning.

Inquisitiveness

Highlights the quality of being curious and asking questions.

Passion for understanding

Emphasizes the deep emotional connection to gaining comprehension.

Inclination for learning

Describes a natural tendency or preference for acquiring knowledge.

Curiosity

A more concise term emphasizing the interest in exploring and discovering.

FAQs

How can I express the idea of a "Thirst for knowledge" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "desire to learn", "eagerness to learn", or simply "curiosity" depending on the context. These alternatives convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of intensity.

What is the difference between "Thirst for knowledge" and "Curiosity"?

"Thirst for knowledge" implies a deeper, more intense desire to learn and understand, often suggesting a lifelong pursuit. "Curiosity", on the other hand, is a more general interest in exploring and discovering. While related, the former suggests a more profound and sustained motivation.

Is it appropriate to use "Thirst for knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable. However, for highly formal or academic contexts, consider using more precise language depending on the specific subject matter. Alternatives like "intellectual curiosity" or "desire for learning" may be more appropriate in certain cases.

What are some other ways to describe someone with a "Thirst for knowledge"?

You could describe them as "inquisitive", "avid learner", "intellectually curious", or possessing a "passion for understanding".