desire for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"desire for knowledge" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it for example to express that someone has a strong interest in learning something new. For example, you could say: "The student had an insatiable desire for knowledge, so she enrolled in as many classes as she could".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Your desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

He said the congregation had a great desire for knowledge and culture.

The New York Times

But even they recognize that truth telling requires earnest effort, a strong conscience and a desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Arts

He went on, "My desire for knowledge had not at the start been directed toward understanding dreams.

The New Yorker

DR. KILBORNE FINDS RELIGIOUS SKEPTICISM; Believes, However, That Desire for Knowledge of God Is in All Men's Minds.

The New York Times

KILBORNE FINDS RELIGIOUS SKEPTICISM; Believes, However, That Desire for Knowledge of God Is in All Men's Minds.

The New York Times

Educational games are emerging as a new form of learning that should improve student's desire for knowledge.

Computers in Human Behavior

He wrote: "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore.

The Guardian - Travel

We've always ventured from home with the desire for knowledge, and those decisions spurred the technological and societal revolutions that brought us to today.

The Guardian

For many of us, the human desire for knowledge, stimulation, understanding, pleasure and enlightenment is fed by our engagement with the arts, literature, history or philosophy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is also manifested in patients' desire for knowledge-building in matters of their disease.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire for knowledge" to emphasize a deep-seated, intrinsic motivation to learn and understand, rather than just acquiring information. It's effective in describing characters, motivations, or societal trends.

Common error

Avoid using "desire for knowledge" when describing fleeting or superficial interest in a topic. The phrase implies a significant, persistent drive to learn.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a strong interest in learning. For instance, in the example, "His intense desire for knowledge has driven him through many obstacles," the phrase acts as the subject, describing the driving force behind his actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire for knowledge" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that signifies a strong, intrinsic motivation to learn and understand. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often used to describe a deep-seated passion for learning. The phrase appears frequently in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, indicating its suitability for various formal and neutral contexts. While alternatives like "thirst for knowledge" or "hunger for knowledge" exist, "desire for knowledge" maintains a versatile and authoritative presence in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thirst for knowledge

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, likening it to a need for water.

hunger for knowledge

Similar to "thirst", it uses a physiological need to convey a strong desire.

intellectual curiosity

Specifies the type of curiosity as being related to intellectual pursuits.

passion for learning

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting to gain knowledge.

yearning for understanding

Focuses on the desire to comprehend rather than just accumulate facts.

curiosity

A more concise term referring to the inclination to investigate and learn.

zeal for learning

Indicates enthusiasm and eagerness in the pursuit of knowledge.

appetite for learning

Implies a natural and healthy inclination towards acquiring knowledge.

drive to learn

Highlights the internal motivation and ambition to gain knowledge.

fondness for learning

Suggests an affectionate and gentle inclination toward acquiring knowledge.

FAQs

How can I express the phrase "desire for knowledge" differently?

You can use alternatives like "thirst for knowledge", "hunger for knowledge", or "passion for learning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "desire for knowledge" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "desire for knowledge" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "desire for knowledge" and "interest in knowledge"?

"Desire for knowledge" suggests a strong, almost insatiable craving for learning. "Interest in knowledge" implies a milder, more casual curiosity. The former indicates a deeper commitment to understanding.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "desire for knowledge"?

The phrase "desire for knowledge" is particularly well-suited for describing character motivations in literature, discussing educational philosophies, or analyzing societal trends related to learning and intellectual pursuits.