desire of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual or group's longing or ambition for power. For example: "The mayor's desire of power quickly became evident once he was elected into office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If anybody is defined by what Thomas Hobbes called "a perpetual and restless desire of power after power that ceaseth only in death" then it is the junior senator from New York.

The Economist

Humans are not irredeemably self-centered, dogmatic, or driven by what Hobbes called, "a perpetual and restless desire of power after power".

SEP

His human beings, extremely individualistic rather than moral or social, are subject to "a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceases only in death" (Leviathan XI 2).

SEP

But Spinoza does adopt many of the psychological underpinnings Hobbes attributed to the passion in his basic ontology, going so far as to extend the purview of the "conatus" so that it becomes intrinsic to all finite things, all of which express "a perpetual and restless desire of power after power" (Leviathan 11.2).

SEP

Teach people to express strength in ideas rather than violence for temporary ill-fated desire of power.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For a large study aimed at exploring weak effects, the answer can have major implications for funding and resources because the number of participants to be recruited (sample size) depends critically on the desired level of power; the higher the desired power, the larger the required sample size.

Bioinformatics

Ultimately, he thought that the book had something to teach educators of journalism: that "[w]hen there is a desire of the power elite to move on an issue, and the population is generally opposed, then the issue is removed from the political arena and from the news media priorities – distraction being a primary method".

Wikipedia

This results in the desired scaling of power consumption, providing large savings in low-traffic periods.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In particular, the choice of an individual or cluster randomization design may affect the cost of achieving the desired level of power, other things being equal.

Controlled Clinical Trials

The required number for enrolment was then set to about 200 patients, based on the desired level of power precision in estimating this parameter (95% confidence interval: 42.9 57.1%, power 80%).

British Journal of Cancer

If it is likely that outcome data will not be available for some proportion of patients, λ i, on the outcome in the ith stage of the study, then the required sample size calculated using (2) should be multiplied by 1/(1− λ i ) to maintain the desired level of power for a complete-case analysis.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political motivations, using "desire of power" can effectively illustrate a character's or entity's primary driving force. Ensure the context clarifies the means by which this desire is pursued, distinguishing between legitimate ambition and unethical power grabs.

Common error

Be careful not to use "desire of power" in contexts where the desire is already implied. For instance, avoid phrases like "he showed his desire of power through forceful actions" when "his forceful actions demonstrated his desire of power" is more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire of power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the abstract concept of wanting control or authority, similar to the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire of power" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express an inclination or ambition toward gaining control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, from scientific discussions to news analyses. It is important to note is more or less synonymous with "desire for power". When incorporating this phrase into your writing, strive for precision and avoid redundancy by ensuring the surrounding context supports the concept without explicitly repeating it. As with many phrases, appropriate usage of “desire of power” will depend on the audience and intention of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pursuit of control

Highlights the active effort to gain power.

Drive for authority

Focuses on the internal motivation to seek power.

Ambition for control

Focuses on the aspirational aspect, emphasizing a deliberate striving.

Hunger for control

Implies a pressing need and potential dissatisfaction without power.

Longing for authority

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting power.

Aspiration for leadership

Emphasizes the desire to guide and direct others.

Thirst for dominance

Conveys a strong, almost insatiable need to be in charge.

Craving for influence

Emphasizes the yearning for impact and effect on others.

Appetite for command

Suggests a natural inclination and enjoyment in leading.

Yearning for supremacy

Stresses a deep desire to be the best or most powerful.

FAQs

How can I use "desire of power" in a sentence?

You can use "desire of power" to describe a character's motivation, such as: "The politician's actions were clearly fueled by a strong desire of power." It can also be used to describe a group's or nation's ambitions.

What is a good alternative to "desire of power"?

Alternatives include "ambition for control", "pursuit of control", or "longing for authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "desire for power" instead of "desire of power"?

Both "desire of power" and "desire for power" are grammatically correct, although "desire for power" is more common in contemporary usage. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "greed of power" and "desire of power"?

"Greed of power" implies an excessive and selfish craving, whereas "desire of power" is a more neutral term that simply indicates a longing or ambition for control. See also "sake of power".