a thirst for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"a thirst for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's strong desire to learn or understand something. For example: She had a thirst for knowledge that inspired her to explore the world and its cultures.

✓ 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 someone who is not only interested in learning but also actively seeks out new information and experiences to expand their understanding.

Common error

Don't use "a thirst for knowledge" in contexts where the desire for learning is already heavily implied. For instance, saying "She enrolled in several courses because of her thirst for knowledge and desire to learn" is redundant. Instead, opt for "She enrolled in several courses because of her thirst for knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thirst for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a strong desire or eagerness to learn and understand new things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thirst for knowledge" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong desire to learn and understand. It is grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal contexts, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as academic settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to avoid redundancy and ensure its impact is maximized. Related phrases, such as "an eagerness to learn" or "a passion for learning", can provide alternative ways to express a similar concept with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an eagerness to learn

Focuses on enthusiasm and willingness to acquire new information.

a passion for learning

Emphasizes the strong emotional drive behind the desire for knowledge.

a hunger for information

Uses a different metaphor (hunger) to convey a strong need for information.

an intellectual curiosity

Highlights the inquisitive nature and interest in exploring intellectual subjects.

a desire for understanding

Focuses on the goal of comprehension rather than just acquiring information.

a keen interest in learning

Highlights a strong interest and enthusiasm for gaining knowledge.

an inquisitive mind

Focuses on the characteristic of being curious and eager to ask questions.

a love of learning

Emphasizes the affection and enjoyment derived from acquiring knowledge.

a drive to learn

Highlights the internal motivation and determination to acquire knowledge.

a scholarly interest

Suggests a more academic and formal approach to seeking knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thirst for knowledge" to describe someone who has a strong desire to learn and understand things. For example: "She had "a thirst for knowledge" that led her to explore many different subjects".

What are some synonyms for "a thirst for knowledge"?

Alternatives to "a thirst for knowledge" include "an eagerness to learn", "a passion for learning", or "an intellectual curiosity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a thirst for knowledge" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a well-understood idiom that adds emphasis to someone's desire to learn.

Is "a thirst for knowledge" the same as "a thirst for information"?

While similar, "a thirst for knowledge" implies a deeper desire to understand and learn, while "a thirst for information" might simply refer to wanting to know facts or details.