a deep-seated fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"a deep-seated fear" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a fear that is firmly established and difficult to change. Example: She had a deep-seated fear of public speaking that held her back in her career. Alternative expressions include "an ingrained fear" and "a profound fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It is already a deep-seated fear in Afghanistan that the United States will abandon the region," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

Many people have a deep-seated fear of snakes and thus a skewed sense of danger around them.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Britain is a bristling island nation, with a deep-seated fear of invasion.

The Economist

And there was a deep-seated fear of risk and the uncertainties of change; many farmers dismissed new ideas as "book farming".

The New Yorker

Whereas Kelly differs from Kurzweil on the grounds of interpretation and tone, other voices of dispute are rooted in a deep-seated fear of technological calamity.

Independent

Today's research acknowledges  the danger of "a deep-seated fear ... that accepting the importance of genetics justifies inequities - educating the best and forgetting the rest".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

I haven't even mentioned the famous crop-duster scene – which again plays on a very deep-seated fear of having nowhere to hide – or the climax on Mount Rushmore, a sequence that elevates nailbiting to an Olympic-level sport.

The Guardian - Film

Many people are fine as long as they can hold my hands but, as soon as they try to let go, panic sets in and – even though I don't feel it myself – I can see that it is a real, deep-seated fear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'll be honest: I had a real deep-seated fear that "Buffy" was going to be my peak.

HuffPost

Clearly, the administration reflects a broad deep-seated fear and loathing of big government as well as an abiding faith in free markets even though our financial free markets directly caused the current crash and the need for trillion dollar bail outs.

Huffington Post

To anyone who has given thought to the peculiar and strained relations that for centuries prevailed between Jews and Christians, and that in some quarters still continue, it must be plain that behind these antagonisms lies an ancient, deep-seated fear on the part of each of these groups of the other.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep-seated fear" when you want to emphasize that a fear is not superficial but is deeply ingrained and difficult to overcome. It adds weight and seriousness to the emotion being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep-seated fear" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "worry" or "anxiety" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone and can sound overly dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a deep-seated fear" is to act as a noun phrase, serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it modifying actions, beliefs, or societal attitudes, indicating its significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep-seated fear" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an intense, ingrained feeling of apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in news and media, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for conveying serious concerns, avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternative phrases like "an ingrained fear" or "a profound fear" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When writing, consider the level of formality and the desired impact to ensure the phrase resonates with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingrained fear

Focuses on the long-lasting and firmly established nature of the fear.

a profound fear

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the fear.

a rooted fear

Highlights the deeply embedded nature of the fear.

a long-held fear

Stresses the duration and persistence of the fear over time.

a visceral fear

Indicates a fear that is felt in the body, instinctive and intense.

an abiding fear

Suggests a fear that is constant and unwavering.

a pervasive fear

Highlights the widespread and all-encompassing nature of the fear.

a chronic fear

Implies that the fear is ongoing and persistent over a long period.

a fundamental fear

Suggests a fear that is basic and foundational to one's psyche.

a consuming fear

Emphasizes how the fear dominates one's thoughts and actions.

FAQs

What does "a deep-seated fear" mean?

The phrase "a deep-seated fear" refers to a fear that is firmly established and difficult to change or overcome. It implies that the fear is not superficial but is deeply rooted in a person's psyche or a society's beliefs.

How can I use "a deep-seated fear" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep-seated fear" to describe personal anxieties or broader societal concerns. For example: "She had a deep-seated fear of public speaking" or "There is a deep-seated fear of economic instability in the region".

What are some alternatives to "a deep-seated fear"?

Alternatives to "a deep-seated fear" include "an ingrained fear", "a profound fear", or "a rooted fear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a deeply seated fear" instead of "a deep-seated fear"?

While "deeply seated fear" is understandable, "a deep-seated fear" is the more common and idiomatic expression. The hyphenated form is generally preferred in formal writing.