latent desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"latent desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a strong feeling or emotion that someone is not fully aware of or conscious of. For example, "He had a latent desire for more adventure in his life, even though he denied wanting anything to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

What the stint in hospital provoked was a latent desire to compose light music.

The Guardian

He blames his friend Amy Azzarito's "latent desire to be a farmer" for making him a beekeeper.

The New York Times

Strong demand and robust pricing for riskier companies hints at a latent desire by investors to put money to work.

The New York Times

Is K not, on some level, imperfectly expressing a slight latent desire to be married to a man?

The New Yorker

All that latent desire needed to burst forth was the requisite combination of Stella and a bunch of witnesses.

The Guardian - Travel

And is not S, on some level, imperfectly expressing a slight latent desire to be married to a woman?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Architecture might help to achieve that aim by uncovering and connecting latent desires.

The Guardian

Or, more powerfully, you can anticipate latent desires that customers themselves are yet unable to express.

Harvard Business Review

However, this approach was limited in its ability to accurately reflect the consumers' latent desires.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Cueing helps to explain why advertising works; it refers to the stimuli that arouse latent desires or draw a cured addict back to his addiction.

The New York Times

By letting them run to their conclusion, the puppet-masters hope to extinguish the Dolls' bubbling latent desires: just by letting them play out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "latent desire" to describe a feeling someone may not be fully aware of, suggesting it exists beneath the surface of their consciousness. For instance, "Despite his denials, he possessed a latent desire for fame".

Common error

Avoid using "latent desire" when the yearning is openly expressed or clearly visible. Latent implies a hidden quality, so using it to describe something obvious is contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent desire" functions as a noun phrase, where 'latent' modifies 'desire'. It describes a specific kind of desire that is hidden or not yet realized. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "latent desire" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon noun phrase used to describe a desire that is hidden, not yet realized, or suppressed. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe something someone may not be fully aware of. Primarily found in news and media and scientific contexts, it suggests an underlying motivation or feeling that may influence behavior. While suitable for formal writing, it should not be used to describe obvious or overt desires. Related phrases include "subconscious yearning" and "repressed longing". Understanding the subtle nuances of "latent desire" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subconscious yearning

Focuses on the unconscious nature of the desire, emphasizing the emotional aspect.

repressed longing

Highlights the act of suppressing the desire, suggesting a potential conflict.

dormant aspiration

Emphasizes the potential for the desire to become active in the future.

unacknowledged craving

Focuses on the lack of awareness or admission of the desire.

hidden ambition

Specifically refers to a concealed goal or aim, often related to career or achievement.

untapped potential

Shifts the focus to the unfulfilled capacity or possibility related to a desire.

unspoken wish

Highlights the lack of verbal expression of the desire, emphasizing its private nature.

veiled inclination

Suggests a subtle or disguised preference or tendency.

unrealized ambition

Emphasizes the fact that the ambition has not been accomplished yet.

secret appetite

Emphasizes the hidden or private nature of the desire, often implying a strong craving.

FAQs

How can "latent desire" be used in a sentence?

You can use "latent desire" to describe a feeling or wish that someone is not fully aware of or consciously suppressing. For example: "The project rekindled a latent desire for creativity she had long forgotten."

What's a good alternative to "latent desire"?

Consider alternatives like "subconscious yearning", "repressed longing", or "dormant aspiration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "latent desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "latent desire" is suitable for formal writing. It is understood and accepted in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "latent desire" and "conscious desire"?

"Latent desire" refers to a desire that is not openly expressed or fully realized, while "conscious desire" is a desire that someone is fully aware of and actively pursuing.