devilish desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devilish desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, perhaps morally questionable or forbidden longing or craving. Example: "Her devilish desire for adventure led her to take risks that others would shy away from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The old knight of the track nods at the reminder – but his eyes glitter more with a devilish desire to attract drivers of Hamilton's calibre again.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The longer I live," he continued, "the more this question drills itself into my brain and the more I wonder why the Lord allowed man to have the devilish desires of envy, greed and aggression".

BBC

The Gunners are getting better but they still need to be more devilish, show more desire and find the extra quality that it takes to win when it matters most.

BBC

Tom of Finland's images exist in a world of their own making, one populated by impossibly strapping men always eager to indulge their many devilish same-sex desires.

Vice

Tom of Finland's images exist in a world of their own making, one populated by impossibly strapping men always eager to indulge their many devilish same-sex desires.

Vice

This spawn of Schumer's devilish head has everything a power-mad DHS bureaucrat could desire.

Huffington Post

The girls in Spring Breakers claim that they experience a lot, desiring to grow up and change after their travails with the devilish rapper Alien.

Huffington Post

It's this devilish weather.

The New Yorker

It is devilish.

The Guardian - Arts

They are devilish.

The Guardian

She looks at me, devilish.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devilish desire", consider the connotations. It suggests something more than a simple wish – a craving that might lead to questionable actions.

Common error

Avoid using "devilish desire" in everyday contexts. Its strong connotations are best reserved for situations where you want to create a sense of heightened drama or moral conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devilish desire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "devilish" modifies the noun "desire". It describes a specific kind of desire characterized by a hint of immorality or mischievousness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devilish desire" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a strong longing with a hint of immorality or mischief. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not overly common, the phrase is primarily found in neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media. When using "devilish desire", consider the effect you want to achieve – it adds a layer of intrigue and potential danger to the feeling being described. For related expressions, consider alternatives such as "wicked craving", "sinful longing", or "immoral urge", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wicked craving

Emphasizes the immoral or harmful aspect of the desire, using a stronger term than "devilish".

sinful longing

Highlights the religious or moral transgression associated with the desire.

immoral urge

Focuses on the lack of morality of the desire, presenting it as a strong impulse.

unholy ambition

Suggests a desire for power or achievement that is corrupt and potentially harmful.

nefarious appetite

Emphasizes the evil and depraved nature of the desire, often related to physical pleasures.

insatiable lust

Implies an overwhelming and uncontrollable sexual desire.

forbidden temptation

Highlights the aspect of the desire being something that is not allowed or should be avoided.

dark passion

Suggests a powerful and intense desire tinged with negativity or danger.

corrupt yearning

Indicates a desire that has been tainted by dishonesty or moral decay.

depraved inclination

Emphasizes the morally corrupt and wicked nature of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "devilish desire" in a sentence?

You can use "devilish desire" to describe a strong longing that is often associated with something forbidden or morally questionable. For example: "Her eyes gleamed with a "devilish desire" as she plotted her revenge."

What are some alternatives to "devilish desire"?

Some alternatives to "devilish desire" include "wicked craving", "sinful longing", or "immoral urge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "devilish desire" a common phrase?

"Devilish desire" is not a particularly common phrase, but it is grammatically correct and understandable. It is best used in contexts where a strong, slightly wicked longing is being described.

What's the difference between "devilish desire" and "strong desire"?

"Strong desire" is a general term for any intense longing. "Devilish desire" implies a longing that is not only strong but also perhaps morally questionable or linked to a temptation.