base desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "base desire" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a primal or basic urge or longing that one feels. It is typically used in a negative connotation, describing a desire that is considered low or unrefined. Example: His base desire for wealth and power led him to make unethical choices in his business dealings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Will William succumb to base desire?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or, she added, your base desire crashing against your intellectual structures.

The Guardian - Books

The noble desire to win – for your party, even your country – is now competing with the base desire to sleep.

The Guardian

Mr. Herndon argued that white men were puritanical in sexual matters and dealt with their sexual urges by "elevating" white women beyond the reach of base desire, turning instead to a marginalized population -- black women -- to meet their needs.

The New York Times - Arts

Follow him on Twitter: @charlesdavis84.

Vice

Johanna Carlson of ComicsWorthReading.com found Bone Sharpss central message, "the question of whether promotion is a necessary evil (to gather funds through attention) or a base desire of those with the wrong motivations", still relevant to today's society; Carlson also lauded the flow of the novel and some of the intricate details in the story and setting.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Base desires, brute urges.

The New Yorker

By Willing Davidson July 14 , 2009Base desires, brute urges.

The New Yorker

"The victor of our attention meets our base desires.

The Guardian

Places where we go to sate our most base desires and to scare ourselves stiff.

Independent

Earl has real feeling for a young convict and suppresses his more base desires - and he chooses a higher ground, and that was interesting to me.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "base desire", consider the ethical implications of the desire. This phrase often implies a conflict between higher moral standards and more primal urges. Ensure your writing reflects this tension.

Common error

Avoid using "base desire" in overly formal or academic writing unless you are specifically discussing primal instincts or moral philosophy. More neutral language may be preferable for general descriptions of desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base desire" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular type of desire, one that is primal, fundamental, and often morally questionable. Ludwig confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "base desire" is a valid and useful phrase for describing primal or fundamental urges, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various sources, especially in News & Media. While its frequency is uncommon, its use is consistent across different contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the ethical implications of such desires and to ensure that the register is appropriate for the intended audience. Alternatives like "primal urge" or "instinctual longing" may offer a slightly different nuance. Be mindful of potential overuse in formal contexts and always consider the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Primal urge

Focuses on the instinctual and fundamental nature of the desire.

Instinctual longing

Emphasizes the innate and deeply rooted aspect of the desire.

Fundamental craving

Highlights the essential and intense nature of the desire.

Basic impulse

Underscores the simple and unrefined aspect of the desire.

Raw appetite

Suggests a desire that is uninhibited and uncultivated.

Unrefined longing

Highlights the lack of sophistication in the desire.

Crude desire

Emphasizes the unpolished and potentially offensive nature of the desire.

Animalistic urge

Connects the desire to primal instincts and behaviors.

Lower nature

Refers to the part of human nature associated with basic instincts and desires.

Earthly passions

Relates desire to physical and sensual experiences.

FAQs

What does "base desire" mean?

The phrase "base desire" refers to a fundamental or primal urge, often associated with selfishness, lust, or greed. It typically implies a desire that is morally questionable or conflicts with higher principles.

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

You can use "base desire" to describe a character's motivations or to analyze the underlying causes of unethical behavior. For example, "His actions were driven by a "base desire" for wealth and power."

What are some synonyms for "base desire"?

Alternatives to "base desire" include "primal urge", "instinctual longing", or "fundamental craving", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "base desire" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "base desire" may be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more neutral or precise language unless your analysis specifically focuses on primal instincts or moral philosophy.