noble desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"noble desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an honorable or virtuous longing or aspiration. Example: The king's noble desire to improve the lives of his people was evident in every decision he made.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The noble desire to win – for your party, even your country – is now competing with the base desire to sleep.

The Guardian

"I'm not filled with a noble desire to show the world a certain type of injustice in hopes of remedying it," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

2. Anyhow, the real reason for the electoral college wasn't all that high-minded guff about voter information, or even some noble desire to protect small states.

The New Yorker

It appears that a Mr. Stumpff, of Vienna, from a noble desire to testify the high esteem he entertains for him, procured, at a very great expense, the entire Works of Handel, in forty volumes folio, Arnold's excellent edition, handsomely bound, and sent them as a present to Beethoven.

The Guardian - Music

It is a noble desire to want to love and be loved deeply.

Huffington Post

Kosovo in 1999 is an example of what happens when a noble desire to help those facing death is suffocated by Security Council inertia.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Moreover, in some ways, the coming wave of technology enhancements brings a darker connotation to the title of P.D. James novel and miniseries, Devices and Desires, as the enabling of devices unleashes some of man's less noble desires.

Huffington Post

In an age of campus upheavals, witness the resignation of the two top officials of the University of Missouri, who were pressured to leave after alleged insensitivity to racial and ethnic diversity, one wonders if otherwise noble desires for ending discrimination of all kinds in regard to race, ethnicity, sexual gender and sexual preferences are getting out of hand.

Huffington Post

The count follows the "family tradition" of "largess" out of virtue and conviction: "It is the profoundest and noblest desire of the common people to know that the mighty are just and noble.

The New York Times - Books

(401-454-6500) www.risd.edu 'THE FABERGÉ MENAGERIE' -- The Russian imperial jeweler Carl Fabergé made everything a fashionable St . Petersburgnoble could desire, from diamond-studded tiaras to pink-enamel photograph frames.

The New York Times - Arts

A passion born of something nobler than desire".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble desire" to describe motivations or goals that are not only personally beneficial but also contribute to a greater good or uphold ethical principles.

Common error

Avoid using "noble desire" to describe self-serving ambitions or actions that lack genuine ethical grounding. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a virtuous and altruistic intent.

Linguistic Context

"Noble desire" serves as a descriptive phrase, functioning as an adjective-noun combination. It's used to characterize a particular longing or aspiration as being virtuous and morally upright, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates that the desire stems from honorable intentions and a commitment to ethical principles.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble desire" is a grammatically sound adjective-noun phrase used to describe a virtuous and morally upright aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a genuine commitment to ethical principles and a desire to contribute to a greater good. Alternatives such as "virtuous intention" or "lofty aspiration" can be used to convey similar meanings while varying the word choice. Consider the ethical underpinnings of the ambition when describing it as a "noble desire".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtuous intention

Highlights the moral and ethical foundation of the desire.

elevated purpose

Highlights the high-minded and significant nature of the aim.

lofty aspiration

Emphasizes the high-minded and ambitious nature of the desire.

exalted aspiration

Stresses the high rank and impressive quality of the aspiration.

honorable ambition

Focuses on the ambition being worthy of respect and admiration.

altruistic motive

Stresses the selfless and benevolent nature of the driving force.

principled yearning

Indicates a strong desire based on deeply held values.

moral imperative

Highlights the sense of duty and ethical obligation.

righteous pursuit

Focuses on the just and morally correct nature of the endeavor.

idealistic longing

Emphasizes the visionary and often impractical nature of the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "noble desire" to describe someone's motivation for a selfless act, such as: "Driven by a "noble desire" to help the less fortunate, she dedicated her life to charitable work".

What are some alternatives to "noble desire"?

Alternatives include "virtuous intention", "lofty aspiration", or "honorable ambition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "noble desire" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of respect and admiration for the aspiration being described. However, ensure the context aligns with the elevated tone.

What distinguishes a "noble desire" from a simple "desire"?

A "noble desire" implies a morally good or virtuous intent, often aimed at benefiting others or upholding ethical principles. A simple "desire" might be self-serving or lack such ethical considerations.