overriding passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dominant or primary interest or enthusiasm that drives someone's actions or decisions. Example: "Her overriding passion for environmental conservation led her to dedicate her life to activism and education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Her overriding passion revolved around Shakespeare & Company, where she served as a lifetime trustee.

The New York Times

But despite this somewhat scattershot range of interests, it is easy to spot McCloud's overriding passion.

The Guardian - Money

His overriding passion seemed to be fighting corrupt and undemocratic union bosses and championing the individual worker.

The New York Times

Though the menu dabbles in molecular gastronomy, the overriding passion of its young executive chef, Szabina Szullo, is in re-envisioning the classics.

The New York Times

The stocky, spike-haired Dr. Fyodorov, who enrolled in medical school after the aviation school accident, was a man of many skills with one overriding passion: eye surgery.

The New York Times

He has been my lifetime inspiration and he brought my already forging love of the natural world to be my overriding passion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It seems plausible to understand Hobbes not so much to be opposing two separate faculties, as distinguishing between the chaotic and unbridled passions of the state of nature and what emerges when passions are channeled by an overriding, organizing passion (fear of a coercive power) to accord with a common measure.

SEP

Where they find common ground is in their overriding and unquenchable passion for the game.

BBC

And the Oedipus Mr. Rimer creates properly seems a stubborn hothead, but because of a flawed character rather than a surpassing intellectual passion; his overriding purpose is to prove himself worthy of the throne and of Jocasta.

The New York Times

As the story progresses, Eve's liking for nights at the theatre and solitary walks through London streets, her illicit passion for a married man, are beaten into submission by her overriding desire to avoid a life of penury.

The Guardian - Books

"What was the overriding question?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overriding passion", ensure it's clear what the passion is and how it influences the subject's actions or decisions. Providing specific examples strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding passion" for trivial interests. Reserve it for truly significant and life-defining enthusiasms to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding passion" functions as a noun phrase, where "overriding" acts as a modifier describing the intensity and dominance of the "passion". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to describe a primary interest.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overriding passion" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a dominant and influential enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's effectively employed to highlight the significance of a particular interest in shaping someone's life or decisions. While versatile, it's best reserved for truly significant enthusiasms to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives such as "dominant passion" or "primary passion" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Predominantly found in news media, "overriding passion" maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for formal writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant passion

Replaces "overriding" with "dominant", emphasizing the controlling influence of the passion.

primary passion

Substitutes "overriding" with "primary", highlighting the fundamental importance of the passion.

chief passion

Uses "chief" instead of "overriding", suggesting the main or principal passion.

main passion

Replaces "overriding" with "main", indicating the most significant passion.

driving passion

Uses "driving" to emphasize the motivating force of the passion.

intense passion

Focuses on the strength and intensity of the passion.

consuming passion

Highlights how the passion completely absorbs one's attention and energy.

all-consuming passion

Similar to "consuming passion" but emphasizes the total engulfment even more.

greatest passion

Indicates the most significant passion among others a person might have.

deepest passion

Emphasizes the profound and deeply rooted nature of the passion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "overriding passion" in a sentence?

To effectively use "overriding passion", ensure it is followed by a clear description of what the passion is and how it affects the subject's behavior or decisions. For instance, "His "overriding passion" for music led him to pursue a career as a composer".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "overriding passion"?

Alternatives to "overriding passion" include "dominant passion", "primary passion", or "driving passion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "overriding passion" in formal writing?

Yes, "overriding passion" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing a strong, significant dedication or enthusiasm. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "overriding passion" and "strong interest"?

"Overriding passion" implies a deeply influential and dominant enthusiasm that significantly shapes one's actions and decisions. A "strong interest", on the other hand, suggests a keen liking or concern that may not necessarily have the same level of influence or intensity.