deep-seated fear

USAGE SUMMARY

"deep-seated fear" is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
You can use "deep-seated fear" when describing a fear or anxiety that has been present for a long time and is difficult to overcome. It can also refer to a fear that is rooted in past experiences or traumas. Example: After surviving a traumatic event, she developed a deep-seated fear of crowds and avoided public places whenever possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The deep-seated fear that such disobedience would unravel our social fabric is mere superstition.

The New York Times

"It is already a deep-seated fear in Afghanistan that the United States will abandon the region," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

Many people have a deep-seated fear of snakes and thus a skewed sense of danger around them.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Britain is a bristling island nation, with a deep-seated fear of invasion.

The Economist

Something must be wrong with the traditional image of woman to have caused so much deep-seated fear".

The New Yorker

And there was a deep-seated fear of risk and the uncertainties of change; many farmers dismissed new ideas as "book farming".

The New Yorker

Whereas Kelly differs from Kurzweil on the grounds of interpretation and tone, other voices of dispute are rooted in a deep-seated fear of technological calamity.

Independent

We shift back onto the topic of failure, which – according to Hoffman – is a far more deep-seated fear than merely panicking after a Lifetime Achievement ceremony.

Independent

Today's research acknowledges  the danger of "a deep-seated fear ... that accepting the importance of genetics justifies inequities - educating the best and forgetting the rest".

Independent

A song that is really about a deep-seated fear of commitment remained a sensitive expression of timidity and ambivalence, lacking in terror.

The New York Times

Mr. Firth's layered performance reveals Bertie as a profoundly lonely man whose turbulent inner life seesaws between his sense of entitlement and his deep-seated fear and insecurity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deep-seated fear", ensure the context clearly establishes the origin or cause of the fear to enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "deep-seated fear" too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by employing synonyms like "ingrained fear" or "profound fear" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep-seated fear" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deep-seated" modifies the noun "fear". Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts, highlighting its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep-seated fear" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a fear that is profoundly ingrained and difficult to overcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more formal contexts, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context about the origin or cause of the fear to enhance clarity. While effective, avoid overusing it by employing synonyms such as "ingrained fear" or "profound fear" to maintain reader engagement. The prevalence of "deep-seated fear" in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingrained fear

Focuses on the firmly established nature of the fear.

rooted fear

Similar to 'deep-seated', emphasizing the origin and foundation of the fear.

profound fear

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the fear.

long-held fear

Highlights the duration and persistence of the fear.

abiding fear

Stresses the enduring quality of the fear.

intrinsic fear

Points to the fear being an inherent part of someone's nature.

fundamental fear

Suggests the fear is basic and essential.

chronic fear

Indicates a persistent and recurring fear.

inveterate fear

Emphasizes the long-established and habitual nature of the fear.

unshakable fear

Highlights the unwavering and resilient nature of the fear.

FAQs

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

Use "deep-seated fear" to describe a fear that is deeply rooted and difficult to overcome. For example, "The trauma left her with a "deep-seated fear" of enclosed spaces".

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

You can use alternatives like "ingrained fear", "profound fear", or "long-held fear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "deep-seated fear" from a regular fear?

"Deep-seated fear" implies a fear that is deeply ingrained, often stemming from past experiences or traumas, making it more difficult to address than a typical fear. It is similar to having an "intrinsic fear".

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

Yes, "deep-seated fear" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological or emotional states. It's more descriptive than simply saying someone is "very afraid".