abiding desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'abiding desire' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong and lasting wish or ambition. For example, "His abiding desire to travel the world inspired him to save and plan for the trip of a lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

After lending mishaps in Latin America in the 1970s his bank has an abiding desire to be cautious.

The Economist

Perhaps, but America seems also to have inherited from ancestors across the sea an abiding desire for luxury and display.

The New York Times

And that all of us share an abiding desire to end the disastrous policies of the current administration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Albanians across the country say their most abiding desire is for the country to join the European Union, the world's biggest trading bloc.

The New York Times

But that was Thorn and Watt: rules and self-criticism and analysis and the politics of music, running in tandem with excruciating performance anxiety and an abiding desire to reach their listeners' tenderest parts.

Independent

Viewing the free Northern states and Canada as viable safe havens, slaves sang more frequently about escape than insurrection, revealing their abiding desire to "steal away" to a concrete destination where other blacks lived freely under the protection of law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

As Devin learns from the masters of the trade who adopt him into their fraternity, the corny seductions of the carnival play on an abiding human desire to be honestly manipulated and charmingly ripped off.

The New York Times - Books

A bad break-up proved grist to his epigrammatic mill ("This person that I thought was the love of my life ended up being the love of my youth," he says) and gave him his abiding lyrical theme: the conflicted nature of desire.

The Guardian - Music

Moreover, there is this, too, in my plan, and it is your chiefest desire: you will be defending the p57 Peloponnese as well by abiding here as you would by fighting off the Isthmus, and you will not lead our enemies (if you be wise) to the Isthmus.

University of Chicago

In heavenly love abiding.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I am abiding by that agreement".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abiding desire" to describe a deeply felt and long-lasting wish, particularly in contexts where the emotional weight or significance of the desire is important.

Common error

Avoid using "abiding desire" for fleeting or superficial wishes. The term implies a strong, persistent, and deeply rooted yearning, not a momentary whim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abiding desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "abiding" modifies the noun "desire". As supported by Ludwig AI, it describes a specific type of desire, a longing that is strong and lasting. It highlights the intensity and permanence of the wish.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abiding desire" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a strong and lasting wish, typically used to describe deep-seated aspirations or long-term goals. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, the phrase carries more weight and emotional depth, making it suitable for formal and literary contexts, particularly in news and media, academic, and formal settings. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of the strong and lasting implications, ensuring it aligns with the intended meaning. Using alternatives such as "enduring ambition" and "deep-seated longing" can offer variety while maintaining a similar semantic effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lasting aspiration

Replaces "desire" with "aspiration" and "abiding" with "lasting", emphasizing a long-term goal.

enduring ambition

Substitutes "desire" with "ambition" and "abiding" with "enduring", highlighting a strong drive for achievement.

persistent yearning

Uses "yearning" instead of "desire" and "persistent" for "abiding", conveying a sense of longing.

deep-seated longing

Replaces "abiding desire" with "deep-seated longing", emphasizing a profound and emotional wish.

unwavering hope

Substitutes "desire" with "hope" and "abiding" with "unwavering", focusing on a constant expectation.

constant craving

Replaces "desire" with "craving" and "abiding" with "constant", suggesting a strong and continuous need.

perpetual wish

Uses "wish" instead of "desire" and "perpetual" for "abiding", indicating a never-ending desire.

eternal longing

Replaces "abiding desire" with "eternal longing", emphasizing the timeless quality of the wish.

settled ambition

Substitutes "abiding" with "settled", suggesting that the ambition has been established firmly.

ingrained passion

Replaces "desire" with "passion" and "abiding" with "ingrained", highlighting deeply rooted feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "abiding desire" in a sentence?

You can use "abiding desire" to describe a strong and lasting wish. For example: "Her "abiding desire" was to become a doctor and help people."

What phrases are similar to "abiding desire"?

Similar phrases include "lasting aspiration", "enduring ambition", or "deep-seated longing", all of which convey a strong and persistent wish.

Is "abiding desire" a formal or informal expression?

"Abiding desire" is a relatively formal expression suitable for both writing and speech where you want to emphasize the depth and duration of a wish. There are no reasons to avoid this expression in formal settings and contexts.

What is the difference between "abiding desire" and "strong wish"?

"Abiding desire" suggests a more profound and enduring wish than a simple "strong wish". "Abiding" implies a long-lasting and deeply rooted feeling, whereas "strong" only refers to the intensity of the wish.