concealed desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concealed desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a longing or wish that is hidden or not openly expressed. Example: "Her smile masked a concealed desire for adventure that she had long suppressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was an unhappy marriage, with Lee's barely concealed desire to take the leading role on the greatly enlarged stage arousing the Malays' deep-seated suspicions of their Chinese fellow citizens.

Independent

But it seemed curious to garb the Male and Female Choruses (Tyler S. Nelson and Arianna Zukerman) as modern-day evangelicals helping to narrate a historical parable, then press them into postures of barely concealed desire for each other.

The New York Times - Arts

Emma-Rose Cornwall, one of the feminist activists who attended the talk, said: "SPUC's supposed concern for zygotes is a poorly concealed desire to see women forced back into their 'god-given' roles as mothers and housewives, and simultaneously to punish what they perceive as promiscuous sexuality".

The Guardian

From Nancy Pelosi's digs that you run a messy House, to Eric Cantor's badly concealed desire to throw you down the Capitol steps, not to mention dealing with the Bedlam Caucus (aka the Tea Party), which seems focused on antagonizing large swaths of American voters you'll need in 2014 to keep the House - Wow.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hadden-Paton also hints at a subliminal connection between the past and present Philips, who both conceal desire behind a mask of formal rectitude.

The Guardian

Its leaders have not concealed their desire to use nuclear weapons on India".

The New York Times

"This administration has never concealed its desire to indefinitely detain children as a deterrent to other would-be immigrants," Desai said.

The Washington Post

"Pakistan believes that nuclear weapons can compensate for conventional inferiority; its leaders have not concealed their desire to use nuclear weapons against India," reads the document.

The New York Times

Mr. Venizelos has never concealed his desire to be the next prime minister (he challenged Mr. Papandreou for the Pasok party leadership in 2007 and lost 2 1. Since then he has been biding his time).

The New York Times

At first, I concealed my desires, afraid that my husband would harbor feelings of disillusionment.

Huffington Post

DOUBLED imagery appealed to Dali's interest in Freudian methods of dream analysis, in which even the most innocent of forms can conceal thwarted desire.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concealed desire" to add depth to character descriptions, suggesting internal conflicts or motivations that are not immediately apparent. For example, "Beneath his stoic demeanor lay a "concealed desire" for recognition."

Common error

Avoid using "concealed desire" when a simpler "hidden wish" would suffice. "Concealed desire" implies a suppressed longing, not just a simple preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concealed desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "concealed" modifies the noun "desire". It describes a specific type of desire that is being hidden or kept secret. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concealed desire" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe a hidden longing or wish, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in News & Media and Arts contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implication of active suppression, differentiating it from a simple "secret desire". Alternatives such as "hidden longing" or "suppressed wish" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Overall, "concealed desire" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to add depth to character portrayals and explore complex emotional landscapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden longing

Focuses on the emotional aspect of a hidden wish.

suppressed longing

Emphasizes the act of actively keeping a desire down.

veiled yearning

Suggests a desire that is subtly expressed or hinted at.

unspoken wish

Highlights the lack of verbal expression of the desire.

covert ambition

Implies a secret goal or aim.

latent aspiration

Suggests a desire that is present but not yet active or visible.

secret craving

Emphasizes the intensity and private nature of the desire.

unacknowledged longing

Highlights that the desire is not admitted or recognized.

repressed wish

Indicates a desire that is kept unconscious.

inner craving

Focuses on the internal and personal nature of a strong desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "concealed desire" in a sentence?

Use "concealed desire" to depict a character's hidden motivations or internal conflicts. For example, "Her polite smile masked a "concealed desire" for adventure."

What are some alternatives to "concealed desire"?

You can use alternatives like "hidden longing", "suppressed wish", or "latent aspiration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "concealed desire" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "concealed desire" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when analyzing character motivations or exploring complex emotional states. It's a sophisticated way to express hidden longings.

What's the difference between "concealed desire" and "secret desire"?

"Concealed desire" implies a deliberate effort to hide the longing, while "secret desire" simply means the desire is not known to others. "Concealed" emphasizes the act of hiding, while "secret" emphasizes the lack of awareness.