deepest desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deepest desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to someone's strongest and most passionate wish. For example: "Jane's deepest desire is to travel the world and see all the wonders it has to offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were the object of your deepest desire and adoration.

The New Yorker

Penguin's deepest desire has always been to fly but everything goes wrong.

The Guardian

Joe Jr. called the school "the object of my deepest desire, my Oz".

The New York Times

In that role, I visit many older people whose deepest desire is to live and die in their own homes.

The New York Times

Yet his life and will also make it abundantly clear that his deepest desire was to have his work seen on his own terms.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Lasseter stressed that "it's not true" that "Cars 2" was influenced by Disney ownership and "my deepest desire is to entertain people by making great movies".

The New York Times

"My deepest desire is to obey the Holy Father and submit to the laws of the Church," said Archbishop Milingo, 71, who is Zambian.

The New York Times

And what Raphelson acts out over the new canvas is not creation but annihilation, a fulfillment of envy's deepest desire: to rob the other of his power.

The New Yorker

The answer, I think, is precisely that Steinbrenner's deepest desire so closely reflects that of his most dedicated athletes and, especially, the fans.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Rather, it's the expression of his deepest desires.

The New York Times

Every city had a desire "oxford's deepest desired are to be make a difference.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deepest desire", consider adding context to make it more specific. For instance, instead of simply stating someone's "deepest desire", explain what that desire entails and why it is so important to them.

Common error

Avoid using "deepest desire" in overly sentimental or clichéd ways. Strive for authenticity and specificity to make the phrase more impactful and less predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deepest desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it identifies the most profound and intense wish or longing someone holds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

HuffPost

25%

The New Yorker

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

The Guardian

5%

Harvard Business Review

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deepest desire" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that expresses an individual's most profound and intense longings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately captures the essence of a significant wish. Predominantly found in News & Media, HuffPost, and The New Yorker, its usage spans various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. To enhance its impact, consider providing specific details to avoid cliché. Related alternatives include "heart's greatest wish" and "most fervent aspiration". Understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart's greatest wish

Emphasizes the emotional and personal aspect of the wish, focusing on what the heart truly wants.

most fervent aspiration

Highlights the intensity and ambition associated with the desire, portraying it as a strong ambition.

ultimate yearning

Conveys a profound and persistent longing, suggesting a deep-seated emotional need.

soul's true longing

Connects the desire to the innermost self, indicating a fundamental and spiritual aspiration.

strongest inclination

Focuses on the leaning or tendency towards something, suggesting a powerful preference.

primary ambition

Highlights the foremost goal or objective, emphasizing the importance of the desire.

paramount craving

Emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the desire, portraying it as a powerful need.

chief objective

Focuses on the main aim or purpose, indicating the desire as a central goal to be achieved.

overriding ambition

Suggests that the ambition is more important than anything else.

greatest aspiration

Points to the highest hope or ambition, emphasizing the significance of the desire.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "deepest desire", provide context. Instead of just saying "Her deepest desire was fulfilled", specify what the desire was and how its fulfillment impacted the subject. For example: "Her deepest desire, to become a renowned surgeon, was fulfilled after years of dedication".

What are some alternatives to "deepest desire" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "heart's greatest wish", "most fervent aspiration", or "ultimate yearning" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "deepest desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "deepest desire" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that its usage aligns with the tone and purpose of your writing. It's more impactful when the desire is well-defined and relevant to the subject matter.

What's the difference between "deepest desire" and "strongest wish"?

"Deepest desire" often implies a more profound and fundamental longing, rooted in one's core values or identity. "Strongest wish", on the other hand, can refer to a more immediate or superficial want. While both express a high degree of wanting, "deepest desire" carries a heavier emotional weight.