mere desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a feeling or wish is simple or lacking in substance, often in contrast to more significant motivations or actions. Example: "His decision to leave was based on mere desire, not on any practical considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Their mere desire doesn't make forced marriage right.

The Guardian - Opinion

His compulsive urge to live on life's dangerous edge, stronger than any mere desire to win, was like an addiction to the thrill of gambling.

The Guardian - Sport

The businessmen-scientists who are biotechnology's entrepreneurs often seem driven by motives more complex than a mere desire to make money, especially when they are trying to find treatments for disease.

The Economist

If a litigant's mere desire to punish a confidential source were enough to force a reporter to disclose the source's identity, then journalism would be seriously jeopardized and laws protecting it would be gutted.

The New York Times

In contrast, in 2002, Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill was publicly fired — along with Larry Lindsey, Director of the National Economic Council — in a fashion that suggested there was more to it than a mere desire to change staff.

The New York Times

Once Mariana is there, it becomes possible to believe that Angelo is guilty of nothing but mere desire - that this hideously chaste man has committed the crime of being "an eminent body".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This question is fairly self-explanatory, with the caveat that we are talking here about demonstrable talents rather than mere desires.

The Guardian

What is distinctive of a prima facie obligation, as opposed to a mere instrumental means-end imperative, is that it cannot be overridden by mere desires.

SEP

Stewart soon realized this kind of behavior went beyond a mere burning desire to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a pretty big leap between a mere indication of desire to attend a camp and a crystallized desire to kill, maim and kidnap," said Peter S. Margulies, a law professor at Roger Williams University who has also written on conspiracy charges in terrorism prosecutions.

The New York Times

It's not that religious, academic or scientific credentials automatically convey trust, but when combined with a personal commitment to peace, they often carry weight beyond mere opinion or desire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere desire" to contrast a basic feeling with more substantial reasons or motivations, highlighting the former's lack of weight or importance. For example, "His decision was based on "mere desire", not on practical needs."

Common error

Avoid using "mere desire" when a stronger term is needed to accurately convey the intensity of the emotion. It's best suited for situations where you want to downplay the significance of a wish or inclination, not to portray strong emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere desire" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "mere" modifies the noun "desire". It serves to qualify the nature of the desire, indicating that it is simple, superficial, or lacking in significant motivation, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere desire" is a common phrase used to describe a simple or superficial wish, contrasting it with more substantial motivations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, use "mere desire" to effectively downplay the significance of a wish compared to more compelling reasons. Remember that alternatives like "simple wish" or "basic want" can provide similar emphasis. Avoid overusing the phrase when a stronger term better represents the intensity of an emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple wish

Replaces "desire" with a more common and less intense term, focusing on the simplicity of the feeling.

basic want

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the desire, implying a lack of complexity or sophistication.

fleeting fancy

Suggests the desire is temporary and lacks substance, emphasizing its short-lived nature.

passing whim

Highlights the impulsiveness and lack of serious consideration behind the desire.

idle longing

Implies the desire is passive and without a strong intent to fulfill it.

superficial inclination

Underscores the lack of depth or genuine motivation behind the desire.

weak impulse

Focuses on the lack of strength or compelling force behind the desire.

slight yearning

Softens the intensity of the desire, suggesting a gentle and not overpowering feeling.

trivial aspiration

Downplays the significance of the desire, portraying it as unimportant or inconsequential.

shallow craving

Highlights the superficial and potentially unsatisfying nature of the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "mere desire" to indicate that someone's motivation is based on a simple wish rather than a more substantial reason. For example, "The project's failure was attributed to "mere desire", lacking strategic planning".

What phrases are similar to "mere desire"?

Similar phrases include "simple wish", "basic want", or "fleeting fancy". These alternatives emphasize the lack of intensity or importance of the desire.

Is it grammatically correct to use "mere desire"?

Yes, "mere desire" is grammatically correct. It's a common construction used to modify the noun "desire" with the adjective "mere", indicating that the desire is simple or insignificant.

What's the difference between "mere desire" and "strong ambition"?

"Mere desire" implies a simple, perhaps fleeting wish, while "strong ambition" suggests a powerful and driving force. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum of motivation.