arouse desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"arouse desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an emotion or feeling that someone might have when they experience something. For example, "The sultry jazz music seemed to arouse desire in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whether or not a model is covered, her beauty is on public display, and her job is to arouse desire or envy that a beholder transfers to the product she is promoting.

The New Yorker

To know Passion was the thing, even — or perhaps especially — if it meant the loss of bourgeois respectability; and if, at the end, when youth and beauty were gone, and one was left humiliated by the inability to arouse desire, so be it.

The New Yorker

It is one of the effects, perhaps one of the functions of literature to arouse desire, and I can discover no ground for saying that sexual pleasure should not be among the objects of desire which literature presents to us, along with heroism, virtue, peace, death, food, wisdom, God,' etc.

The Guardian - Books

Just as erotica can fail to arouse desire, so images of death and mayhem can fail to incite revulsion.

The Guardian

If oil on canvas could arouse desire in a viewer then it could also be stabbed in the back.In this section Lifting the veil The politics of hate No recount at the Fed Swept away Artswatch: The humbling of Hollywood Rebel hearts Staying put Cold comfort Earth shattering Image power ReprintsAlthough we are given no survey of iconoclastic action, Mr Besançon's subtitle at least is true to the text.

The Economist

Emotions set the agenda for beliefs and desires: one might say that they ask the questions that judgment answers with beliefs and evaluate the prospects that may or may not arouse desire.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He's the sort of dandy for whom "it is only the impossible, the unachievable that arouses desire".

The New Yorker

At her best, Ms. Kawakubo is sans pareil for imagination, daring and execution — and for arousing desire.

The New York Times

Socrates may be the master of foreplay, of arousing desire, and may to that extent be a master of the art of love, but when it comes to satisfying desire, he is a failure.

SEP

It turns out that the belated recollection of suffering both endured and culpably inflicted in no sense arouses desires for revenge and revanchism in the children and grandchildren of the generation of perpetrators.

The New York Times - Books

This word, with its obvious etymology, simply means "of or pertaining to sexual love; amatory, esp tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement" (Shorter Oxford Dictionary).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "arouse desire" with alternatives like "stir desire" or "ignite passion" if you want to change the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "arouse desire" can sound overly dramatic or sensual in formal writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "stimulate interest" or "generate enthusiasm" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse desire" functions as a verb phrase where 'arouse' acts as a transitive verb taking 'desire' as its direct object. It describes the action of stimulating or creating a feeling of wanting or longing. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arouse desire" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that means to stimulate or create a feeling of wanting or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to avoid overly strong or dramatic tones, particularly in formal settings. Alternatives like "stir desire" or "stimulate interest" can offer more subtle nuances. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, understanding its communicative purpose and register ensures its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir desire

Changes the verb to 'stir', implying a more gentle or subtle awakening of desire.

incite desire

Replaces 'arouse' with 'incite', suggesting a stronger and more forceful stimulation of desire.

awaken desire

Uses 'awaken' in place of 'arouse', indicating a gentle bringing forth of desire from a dormant state.

spark desire

Substitutes 'arouse' with 'spark', implying a sudden and immediate ignition of desire.

evoke desire

Replaces 'arouse' with 'evoke', suggesting a calling forth of desire based on memory or association.

ignite passion

Shifts from 'desire' to 'passion', intensifying the emotional state being stimulated.

foster longing

Changes 'desire' to 'longing', emphasizing a wistful or yearning aspect of the emotion.

stimulate interest

Replaces 'desire' with 'interest', diluting the intensity to a more general sense of curiosity.

generate craving

Substitutes 'desire' with 'craving', suggesting an intense and almost uncontrollable want.

instill yearning

Changes 'arouse' and 'desire' to 'instill' and 'yearning' respectively, softening the phrase and emphasizing a gentle, persistent feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "arouse desire" to describe something that stimulates a feeling of wanting or longing. For example, "The advertisement aimed to arouse desire for the new product".

What are some alternatives to "arouse desire"?

Some alternatives include "stir desire", "incite desire", and "awaken desire", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arouse desire" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "arouse desire" may be too strong for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "stimulate interest" or "generate enthusiasm" in professional settings.

What is the difference between "arouse desire" and "ignite passion"?

"Arouse desire" generally refers to stimulating a want or longing, while "ignite passion" suggests a more intense and fervent emotional response.