a desire for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a desire for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to somebody's ambition or need to gain more knowledge about a particular subject or topic. For example: "She had a desire for knowledge about early American history, so she took classes in college on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But even they recognize that truth telling requires earnest effort, a strong conscience and a desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Arts

Though they brim with information, they also provoke a desire for knowledge, and seem to promise it, but ultimately they fall profoundly silent and still".

The Guardian - Arts

I'm not sure how much of that was flattery and how much was real, but I think the point is right, particularly if you're talking about research, you want someone who's driven by a desire for knowledge.

Journal of Organization Design

An instance of knowledge is better than an instance of pleasure only in the event that it is 'to some extent the actualization of a desire for knowledge' (RG 151).

SEP

The virtue of love of knowledge packages a desire for knowledge, along with a sense of the relative importance of truths, and thus which truths merit pursuit (ch. 6).

SEP

To pursue the former course, internalists might argue that we ascribe reasons for belief on the assumption of a desire for knowledge or truth (see Kelly 2003 for discussion).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He says that he was motivated not only by curiosity but also by a desire for actionable knowledge about how to live.

The New Yorker

Dr. Morimoto says that his interest in science stemmed from, and continues to be, a desire for pure knowledge, to understand the natural world.

Stanford University

This study reports on an experiment on the effects of need for closure, defined as a desire for definite knowledge on some issue and the eschewal of ambiguity.

European Journal of Operational Research

Images were flashed round the world almost immediately, bringing instant recognition to the focal point of the protests, and a desire for more knowledge about the Red Knights group aiming to wrest control of the club.

Independent

Visitors' top motivations for coming to the REEP House included a desire for general knowledge about the house and because they were presently working on, or were planning to work on, an older house and were looking for ideas and suggestions (Fig. 5).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a desire for knowledge", consider specifying the type of knowledge or the area of interest to provide more context and clarity. For instance, "a desire for knowledge about astrophysics" is more informative than the general phrase.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or hyperbolic language when describing a desire for knowledge. Phrases like "an insatiable desire for knowledge that consumed their every waking moment" can sound unnatural and detract from the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an inclination or yearning to acquire information and understanding, as seen in Ludwig's examples from academic, news, and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desire for knowledge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase expressing a motivation to learn and understand. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, from formal academic discourse to general discussions. Its frequency is rated as common, primarily appearing in Science, News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, consider the specific area of knowledge to provide clarity. Be aware of other alternatives like "a thirst for knowledge" or "intellectual curiosity" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thirst for knowledge

Emphasizes an intense, unquenchable need for knowledge.

an eagerness to learn

Highlights the enthusiasm and willingness to acquire new information.

a passion for learning

Focuses on the strong emotional connection and love for gaining knowledge.

a quest for understanding

Suggests a deliberate and persistent pursuit of deeper comprehension.

intellectual curiosity

Points to an inquisitive nature and interest in exploring new ideas.

an appetite for information

Compares the need for knowledge to a hunger that needs to be satisfied.

a hunger for wisdom

Highlights the pursuit of wisdom rather than just information.

a drive to learn

Emphasizes the motivation and ambition behind acquiring knowledge.

a commitment to lifelong learning

Stresses the ongoing and continuous nature of seeking knowledge.

a dedication to scholarship

Implies a serious and devoted approach to academic study and research.

FAQs

How can I express "a desire for knowledge" in a more concise way?

You can use terms like "intellectual curiosity" or "eagerness to learn" to convey a similar meaning in a more compact form.

Is it more appropriate to say "desire to learn" or "desire for knowledge"?

Both are correct, but "desire for knowledge" emphasizes the abstract concept, while "desire to learn" focuses on the action of acquiring knowledge.

What's the difference between "a desire for knowledge" and "a thirst for knowledge"?

"A desire for knowledge" is a general expression of wanting to learn. "A thirst for knowledge" implies a stronger, more urgent need or passion for learning.

How can I cultivate "a desire for knowledge" in students?

Encourage curiosity, provide opportunities for exploration, and connect learning to real-world applications. Make the learning process engaging and relevant to their interests.