depraved soul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depraved soul" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person whose moral character is considered corrupt or wicked. Example: "The villain in the story was portrayed as a depraved soul, driven by greed and malice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She is a depraved soul who has "kissed a million strangers in the dark".

The New Yorker

The pastor is not divine, he himself is a saved depraved soul, so what is he without a Holy and Just God? Listen to the Pastor's messages and be as the Bereans and double check if the things they preach are true.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But what of the bad guys whose words cut to the core of their complicated, tortured or plain depraved souls?

Vice

Sheppard wondered "what kind of depraved person" would say that.

BBC

That's obviously a pretty depraved person...

Huffington Post

Munch's nightmarish lithographs of lonely souls and depraved sexuality owe more to Gauguin than Van Gogh does, even though it was Van Gogh who lived with Gauguin.

The Guardian - Arts

The novel traces the development of a human soul against the depraved background of a Germany riven by war, depopulation, cruelty, and fear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The servants, wicked and depraved, corrupt and deprave the children..

The Guardian - Books

The details hinted at grim stories, of souls found in mysterious and depraved circumstances that often suggested gruesome deaths.

The New York Times

In a review in The New York Times of Mr. Olsen's "Salt of the Earth: One Family's Journey Through the Violent American Landscape" (St. Martin's Press, 1996), Mark Arax wrote that Mr. Olsen "has transported his readers inside the souls of some of this country's most depraved criminals".

The New York Times - Arts

A soul of rock and roll, a solid man, also a depraved maniac".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depraved soul", ensure that the context clearly indicates a profound level of moral corruption, not just a simple mistake or bad decision.

Common error

Avoid using "depraved soul" to describe minor moral failings. This phrase carries a heavy connotation and should be reserved for truly egregious acts and characters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depraved soul" functions as a descriptive term, specifically an adjective-noun combination. It's used to attribute a quality of deep moral corruption to an individual's inner being. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a person whose moral character is considered corrupt or wicked.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depraved soul" is a descriptive term used to denote deep moral corruption within an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for describing wickedness. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media and encyclopedias, implying it can be found across different subjects. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context warrants such a strong description. Remember that alternatives like "corrupt spirit" or "wicked being" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corrupt spirit

Replaces "soul" with "spirit", offering a more ethereal connotation of corruption.

wicked being

Substitutes both "depraved" and "soul" with simpler, more direct terms, emphasizing evil nature.

morally bankrupt individual

Uses more formal language to describe a lack of moral principles.

degenerate person

Focuses on the decline and decay of moral character.

vile character

Highlights the repulsiveness and offensiveness of the person's nature.

immoral creature

Emphasizes the lack of moral standards and principles.

evil heart

A more figurative expression referring to the source of wickedness.

perverted mind

Shifts focus to the distorted and corrupted thought processes.

base nature

Describes the fundamental character as low and ignoble.

tainted spirit

Indicates that the spirit is corrupted or contaminated.

FAQs

How can I use "depraved soul" in a sentence?

You can use "depraved soul" to describe someone who is morally corrupt or wicked, such as "The villain in the story was a "depraved soul", driven by greed and malice."

What are some synonyms for "depraved soul"?

Alternatives to "depraved soul" include "corrupt spirit", "wicked being", or "morally bankrupt individual".

Is it appropriate to use "depraved soul" in formal writing?

Yes, "depraved soul" can be used in formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the tone and context. It's best suited for discussing characters in literature, historical figures, or in philosophical discussions about morality.

What distinguishes "depraved soul" from similar phrases like "wicked person"?

"Depraved soul" suggests a deeper level of corruption affecting the very essence or spirit of a person, while "wicked person" is a more general term for someone who does evil.