deep-seated desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"deep-seated desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong, long-standing feeling or ambition. For example: She had a deep-seated desire to travel the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

A recent article in this newspaper detailed President Obama's own deep-seated desire to win.

The New York Times

I have a deep-seated desire to build and create new things.

Stanford University

Sinek cracks the code of influence: Deep-seated desire is what inspires followers and builds movements.

Harvard Business Review

"I don't know that he has any deep-seated desire to talk to me".

The New York Times

"I don't know that Barney has the deep-seated desire to couple up like Bobby probably does.

The New York Times

My election as Labour leader represented a deep-seated desire for change and for a new direction in our politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I'm not buying the idea that advertising agencies only try and fulfil our deep-seated desires, rather than creating them for us.

The Guardian - Opinion

In answering this question, let's assume you want to pursue your heart's deep-seated desires to live up to your full potential.

Forbes

And what is more, said Sade, those faculties of reason that Enlightenment thinkers held in such high esteem are only a byproduct of these deep-seated desires: humans are governed by these desires far more than by any rational impetus.

BBC

Opposition supporters can mock but here was proof if anybody needed it of the player's deep-seated, desperate desire to win, which for all his skill, ingenuity and prowess is arguably Suárez's greatest trait.

The Guardian - Sport

Jobs reportedly asked him, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water or do you want a chance to change the world?" In making his pitch, Jobs leveraged a potent psychological force: the deep-seated human desire to do meaningful work.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep-seated desire" to convey a feeling that is not only strong but also has a long history or is deeply rooted in a person's character or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "deep-seated desire" for fleeting or superficial wants. This phrase is best reserved for desires that are profound and enduring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep-seated desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "deep-seated" modifies the noun "desire". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep-seated desire" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that signifies a strong, enduring longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing motivations, ambitions, and core values. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register allows for usage across various contexts. While synonyms like "profound yearning" and "burning ambition" offer alternative expressions, "deep-seated desire" effectively conveys a sense of fundamental and lasting aspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound yearning

Changes to a more poetic and emotional tone, emphasizing a strong feeling of wanting something.

intrinsic motivation

Focuses on the internal drive and inherent reasons behind the desire.

burning ambition

Shifts the focus to a strong aspiration for achievement or success.

overwhelming need

Highlights the compelling and essential nature of the desire.

driving force

Emphasizes the power of the desire to propel action and decisions.

inner craving

Conveys a sense of longing that originates from within.

unwavering passion

Highlights the intensity and steadfastness of the desire.

innate longing

Implies that the desire is inherent and present from birth.

visceral urge

Suggests a desire that is instinctive and deeply felt.

firm resolve

Moves the focus from desire to a strong and determined decision to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "deep-seated desire" in a sentence?

Use "deep-seated desire" to describe a profound, long-lasting feeling or ambition. For example, "She had a "deep-seated desire" to help others".

What are some alternatives to "deep-seated desire"?

You can use alternatives like "profound yearning", "intrinsic motivation", or "burning ambition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "deep-seated desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "deep-seated desire" is suitable for formal writing. It appears in reputable news sources, academic papers, and business documents, indicating its acceptability in professional contexts.

What is the difference between "deep-seated desire" and a simple wish?

"Deep-seated desire" implies a more profound and enduring feeling than a simple wish. A wish might be fleeting, while a "deep-seated desire" is ingrained and often tied to one's core values or identity.