deeply held desires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deeply held desires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong, profound, or intense wishes or aspirations that someone has. Example: "Her deeply held desires for a better life motivated her to pursue her dreams relentlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are fulfilling a deeply held desire for greater national exposure.

The New York Times - Sports

The majority of senior executives contemplating leaving their corporate employers have one thing in common: a deeply held desire to do something that contributes to the greater good.

The Guardian

Over the course of 16 years in parliament, I have learnt that – agree with them or not – all MPs are imbued with a deeply held desire to make the world a better place from their own perspectives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Responsible parents use contraception to delay and space pregnancies out of a deeply held desire to give their best attention, resources and opportunities to each child they bring into the world.

The New York Times

Or is it with anger and deep frustration – at targets, a lack of choice and faceless bureaucrats allegedly obstructing clever doctors who always know best – and, from that, a deeply held desire to change it utterly?

The Guardian

Yet it is undeniable that star-power and the support of mainstream media to broadcast this deeply held desire for peace is needed.

Huffington Post

They'll irrationally claim that our most deeply held desire is to derail their freedoms and all those rights they'll contend are inherently theirs, and that we're working tirelessly to put people out of work.

HuffPost

The law or the nation and the advocate must be first and foremost innocent, this narratives teaches, and as we know psychologically this is often where the impulse to advocacy starts, a deeply held desire for innocence and goodness.

Huffington Post

Among millions of ordinary Egyptians there is a desire, deeply held, to live in a free and fair democratic society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether their motivation reflects a political agenda, a deeply held religious conviction, personal gain or a desire to influence communities, the effect has been to limit the life chances of the young people in their care and to render them more vulnerable to pernicious influences in the future.

The Guardian

She moves back into her childhood home where she discovers a deeply held secret, something her mother had not shared which catapults her inward desire to write rather than enact her own sexual fantasies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deeply held desires" when you want to emphasize that someone's wishes or aspirations are not superficial but are integral to their values and motivations. It adds weight and sincerity to the expression.

Common error

Avoid using "deeply held desires" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in contexts where a simpler expression of wanting something would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deeply held desires" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective phrase ("deeply held"). It identifies aspirations that are significant and fundamental to an individual or group, as Ludwig examples show. It emphasizes the intensity and importance of these desires.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deeply held desires" is a phrase used to describe aspirations that are fundamental and integral to an individual's values. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternative phrases like "profound aspirations" or "intense longings" can offer similar meanings while varying in intensity and specific connotations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific articles, reflecting its use in serious and thoughtful discussions. Overall, use "deeply held desires" when you need to convey the sincere and driving nature of someone's aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound aspirations

Replaces "desires" with a more formal and elevated term, emphasizing ambition and purpose.

intense longings

Highlights the emotional strength of the desires, focusing on feelings of yearning.

fervent wishes

Emphasizes the passionate and enthusiastic nature of the desires.

cherished ambitions

Focuses on desires that are treasured and highly valued.

unwavering aspirations

Highlights the steadfast and persistent nature of the desires.

passionate yearnings

Combines strong emotion with a sense of longing and desire.

deep-seated cravings

Indicates desires that are ingrained and fundamental to the individual.

innermost ambitions

Focuses on desires that are personal and central to one's identity.

core desires

Highlights desires that are fundamental and essential to one's being.

fundamental cravings

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the desires.

FAQs

How can I use "deeply held desires" in a sentence?

You can use "deeply held desires" to describe someone's strong aspirations. For example, "Her deeply held desires for a better world motivated her to volunteer".

What are some alternatives to "deeply held desires"?

Consider using alternatives such as "profound aspirations", "intense longings", or "fervent wishes" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "deeply held desires" in formal writing?

Yes, "deeply held desires" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the profound and integral nature of someone's aspirations or wishes. It adds a layer of sincerity and depth to your expression.

What's the difference between "deeply held desires" and "strong wishes"?

"Deeply held desires" suggests a more profound and intrinsic motivation compared to "strong wishes". While both express a level of wanting, "deeply held desires" indicates that the aspiration is rooted in the individual's core values and beliefs.