motivated by a thirst for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is driven by a strong desire to learn and understand more about a subject or the world around them. Example: "Her success in academia can be attributed to her being motivated by a thirst for knowledge, always seeking out new information and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is extraordinary to read, in Diana and Michael Preston's carefully researched book, of a swashbuckling English pirate who was primarily motivated by a thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

Like all generations who have come before ours, we are motivated by a thirst for knowledge and compelled to see others in need as fellow angels on an often difficult path, deserving of our compassion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

No doubt that is true just as it is true that many who sailed under the Admiralty's aegis were motivated by a thirst for pure knowledge.

The Economist

But rather than being driven by a humanitarian concern for the slave, modern Confederate sympathisers argue the Republicans were motivated by a thirst for economic and political power.

Independent

Like many who travel to the so-called "Islamic State", his actions appear to have been motivated by a thirst for power, violence and unaccountability than religion.

Independent

That decision, he added, was not motivated by a thirst for capital and should not be interpreted as a signal that the heart of Manhattan's art market has shifted elsewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

Optimists are reassured by the unquantifiable: relentless energy, a broad-based "urge to surge" underpinned by a thirst for knowledge and cohesion of the clan.

Huffington Post

Given a perception that members of the public are motivated less by a thirst for fundamental knowledge than a desire for cures for diseases, enthusiasts have not always been modest in their assessments of the scope or speed of progress to be expected on the clinical front [ 3].

Genome Medicine

Medicine needs to be directed by intellectual curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and truth and science.

HuffPost

We are, by nature, curious beings with a thirst for knowledge of the world around us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throughout her life she followed her pursuits with intensity, inspired by a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" to describe individuals or groups whose actions are primarily driven by a genuine desire to learn and understand, rather than external rewards or pressures.

Common error

While effective, "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" can sound somewhat clichéd if used repeatedly. Vary your language by using alternatives like "driven by intellectual curiosity" or "inspired by a love of learning" to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating the primary reason behind someone's actions or behavior. It highlights an internal drive rooted in the desire to learn and understand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" is a phrase used to describe individuals driven by a strong desire to learn and understand. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and the examples show it appears primarily in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective, overuse can lead to clichés, so consider alternatives like "driven by intellectual curiosity" or "inspired by a love of learning". The phrase conveys a genuine internal drive for learning, making it suitable for describing students, researchers, and anyone with a deep curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driven by intellectual curiosity

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of the motivation, emphasizing curiosity as the driving force.

inspired by a love of learning

Highlights the emotional connection to learning as the primary motivator.

propelled by a desire to learn

Emphasizes the proactive and energetic nature of wanting to learn.

guided by a quest for understanding

Focuses on the journey and the goal of achieving understanding.

fueled by a passion for learning

Highlights strong enthusiasm and energy as the source of motivation.

motivated by intellectual hunger

Uses a stronger metaphor, suggesting an intense need for knowledge.

driven by an inquiring mind

Emphasizes the inherent quality of having a curious and questioning mind.

prompted by a wish to know more

Highlights the desire as the initial trigger for seeking knowledge.

led by a yearning for knowledge

Emphasizes the emotional and longing aspect of seeking knowledge.

animated by a curiosity to explore

Focuses on exploration and discovery as the key motivators.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "motivated by a thirst for knowledge"?

Consider alternatives such as "driven by intellectual curiosity", "inspired by a love of learning", or "propelled by a desire to learn", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may be perceived as slightly more formal than simpler alternatives like "eager to learn".

What does it mean to be "motivated by a thirst for knowledge"?

To be "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" means that your primary driving force is a strong desire to learn, understand, and explore new information and ideas. It suggests a genuine and inherent curiosity.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "motivated by a thirst for knowledge"?

Use "motivated by a thirst for knowledge" when describing someone whose actions and decisions are primarily influenced by their desire to learn and understand. This can apply to students, researchers, professionals, or anyone driven by curiosity.