lust for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lust for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a strong or passionate interest in acquiring knowledge. For example: "Grandma had a lust for knowledge and would spend hours reading books on ancient history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it is also a memorable tale of the lust for knowledge, of the risks that are inseparable from the rewards when knowing brings power.

The New York Times - Books

Call me a Guardian cliche, but I'd warrant a girl sporting a bindi or Native American headdress, with no idea of what they signify, might not be someone with a lust for knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tinkering mad(wo)man with an insatiable lust for knowledge and also just being really cool.

Duke University

The internet is great for feeding his lust for knowledge, and I'm proud to say that as his student I am gaining a wealth of information about our planet.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Amazon now has what every storefront lusts for: the knowledge of what other stores your customers are shopping in and what prices they're being offered there," Chris Espinosa, an Apple engineer, wrote on his personal blog.

The New York Times - Tech

"Amazon now has what every storefront lusts for: The knowledge of what other stores your customers are shopping at and what prices they're being offered there," Mr. Espinosa continued.

The New York Times

She says now that her adolescent rebellion sprang from a lust for experience, an instinctive knowledge that she needed to be out in the real world, gathering material.

The Guardian

Make no mistake, the Jews are not hated because of Israel; they are hated for their very modernity, mobility, lust for life and love of knowledge.

The Guardian

It is not simply about the past, says Jalal Uddin Ahmed, a man steeped in knowledge and a lust for beauty: "British Muslims cannot ever abscond from their heritage or hide in it.

The Guardian

"Your desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

So much for knowledge.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lust for knowledge" to describe a character's driving motivation or a society's intellectual focus. It's particularly effective when portraying ambition or the pursuit of forbidden or dangerous information.

Common error

While evocative, "lust for knowledge" can sound melodramatic if used repeatedly. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "passion for learning" or "intellectual curiosity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lust for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, referring to a strong and passionate interest in acquiring knowledge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lust for knowledge" describes a powerful and passionate craving for learning and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use in referring to a strong interest in acquiring knowledge. While the phrase is not particularly common, with only four examples found, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news articles, academic writing, and discussions about intellectual pursuits. Alternative phrases like "insatiable curiosity" or "passion for learning" can be used to convey similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insatiable curiosity

Focuses on the unending nature of the desire to know.

unquenchable thirst for learning

Emphasizes the continuous need for more knowledge.

avid pursuit of knowledge

Highlights the active seeking of information.

passion for learning

Highlights a strong feeling of enthusiasm for education.

deep interest in understanding

Focuses on a profound desire to comprehend.

zeal for education

Highlights a strong and energetic desire for education.

intellectual hunger

Uses the metaphor of hunger to describe the need for knowledge.

dedication to learning

Emphasizes commitment to acquiring knowledge.

boundless enthusiasm for knowledge

Highlights the unlimited nature of the enthusiasm.

voracious appetite for information

Uses the term "voracious" to describe a large and insatiable appetite for information.

FAQs

How can I use "lust for knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "lust for knowledge" to describe someone with a strong desire to learn and understand things. For example: "Her "lust for knowledge" led her to spend countless hours in the library."

What's a less intense way to express a "lust for knowledge"?

If "lust for knowledge" feels too strong, consider using phrases like "passion for learning", "intellectual curiosity", or a "desire to learn".

Is "lust for knowledge" always a positive trait?

While generally positive, a "lust for knowledge" can sometimes be portrayed as dangerous if it leads someone to seek forbidden or harmful information, or to prioritize knowledge above all else.

What is the difference between "lust for knowledge" and "desire for knowledge"?

"Lust for knowledge" implies a more intense and passionate drive compared to a simple "desire for knowledge". "Lust" suggests a powerful, almost uncontrollable craving.