latent appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latent appetite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or underlying desire or craving that may not be immediately apparent. Example: "Despite her outward appearance of contentment, she had a latent appetite for adventure that she had yet to explore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Out on her stage during a recent intermission, Chanel gazed blankly at the crowd of children, and if she harbored a latent appetite for 5-year-olds, it was not obvious.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the fact that Nico's persistent loss of appetite, along with the haircut her mother pressures her into getting, brings out her latent resemblance to Margaret only increases Aaron's desire for her company.

The New York Times - Books

Latent homophobia?

The New York Times

"Berliners are latent megalomaniacs.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the latent kind.

The New York Times

Latent Islamophobia lurks.

The Economist

Latent territorial claims abound.

The Economist

"There is a latent racism".

The New York Times

"There was a latent violence.

The Guardian

The problem is "latent racism".

The Economist

Is his appetite off?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "latent appetite" to subtly suggest a hidden or not-yet-manifested desire, creating intrigue or foreshadowing in your writing. This phrase works well when describing characters or situations where motivations are not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid confusing "latent appetite" with a lack of appetite. "Latent" implies the presence of a hidden or dormant desire, not its absence. For example, saying someone with a "latent appetite" is uninterested in something is contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent appetite" functions as a noun phrase, where "latent" (adjective) modifies "appetite" (noun). It describes a potential or hidden desire, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latent appetite" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a hidden or not-yet-obvious desire. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. While not frequently encountered, its meaning is clear and contributes a layer of subtlety to writing. When using "latent appetite", ensure you're conveying the idea of a dormant desire, not a lack of appetite. Remember to choose synonyms carefully to maintain the intended nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dormant desire

Replaces "appetite" with "desire", focusing on a general longing rather than a specific craving.

hidden craving

Substitutes "latent" with "hidden" and "appetite" with "craving", emphasizing a concealed and intense desire.

underlying longing

Uses "underlying" for "latent" and "longing" for "appetite", suggesting a deep-seated and persistent desire.

unexpressed inclination

Replaces "latent appetite" with a broader term indicating a tendency that hasn't been voiced or acted upon.

untapped yearning

Highlights the potential of a desire that has not yet been explored or satisfied.

veiled hunger

Emphasizes the secretive nature of the desire using "veiled" and equates "appetite" with "hunger".

potential craving

Focuses on the possibility of developing a craving, rather than a current, hidden one.

suppressed desire

Indicates the desire is actively being held back, rather than simply being unexpressed.

unrecognized inclination

Suggests the person may not even be aware of their own tendency or desire.

undeveloped taste

Focuses specifically on a preference that has not yet fully formed or been explored.

FAQs

How can I use "latent appetite" in a sentence?

You can use "latent appetite" to describe a hidden or underlying desire that is not immediately apparent. For example: "Despite his outward stoicism, he possessed a "latent appetite" for adventure."

What's a good synonym for "latent appetite"?

Alternatives to "latent appetite" include "hidden craving", "dormant desire", or "underlying longing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has a "latent appetite" for something they dislike?

No, "latent appetite" implies a hidden or potential desire. It would be contradictory to suggest someone has a "latent appetite" for something they dislike; instead, use phrases like "hidden aversion" or "unacknowledged dislike".

What is the difference between "latent appetite" and "voracious appetite"?

"Latent appetite" refers to a hidden or not yet obvious desire, while "voracious appetite" describes an extremely strong or insatiable hunger. The former is concealed, the latter is openly expressed.