repressed longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repressed longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, often unacknowledged desire or yearning that someone may have suppressed or hidden. Example: "Her poetry often reflects a repressed longing for freedom and self-expression that she struggles to articulate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He lives in the shadow of his father, a famous scholar, and in a state of repressed longing for one of his colleagues' wives (Embeth Davidtz).

The New York Times

Mr. Veloso — who started his miniset after doing some fast-footed dancing to one of Mr. Lancelotti's songs — sang wistful melodies carrying advice like, "Stop that repressed longing," enmeshed in layers of ingenious funk that could be dissonant or jovial.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the play's roiling undercurrents — of melancholy, frustration, romantic longing, repressed primal urges — still resonate.

The New York Times

Rachel's dreamlike visions of a wild mustang in a story that her mother tells her symbolize repressed sexuality and longing for adventure in a punishingly austere environment.

The New York Times

Long – and longing.

The Guardian

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

This mass longing for political transformation was repressed longer by cold war despotism in the Arab world; it has now exploded, profoundly damaging America's ability to dictate events there.

The New York Times

That Virgin image has a tendency to crop up where repressed people begin publicly expressing the innate longing to be something more.

Huffington Post

It was reading Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio that showed Oz how he could be a writer, by writing exactly what he knew: "a dreary tangle of sadness and pretence, of longing, absurdity, inferiority and provincial pomposity, sentimental education and anachronistic ideals, repressed traumas, resignation and helplessness.

The Guardian - Books

Her longing and resignation also surely expressed Andersen's own feelings as a repressed homosexual.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not that sex is denied or repressed, exactly, but rather that bodily desires are ultimately less consequential than more exalted longings, chief among them the yearning to figure out the world and one's place within it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repressed longing" to convey a sense of internal conflict and suppressed emotions. This phrase is particularly effective in describing characters in literature or individuals facing societal constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "repressed longing" when a simple expression of desire or want is sufficient. The phrase implies a deeper, more psychologically complex suppression of emotions, so ensure its usage aligns with the intended intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repressed longing" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "repressed" modifies the noun "longing". According to Ludwig AI, it effectively describes a deeply suppressed desire. Examples showcase its usage in describing emotional states and societal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repressed longing" is a phrase used to describe a deeply suppressed desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral tone suitable for analytical or literary discussions. While not frequently used, understanding its nuances—as distinct from simpler expressions of desire—allows for precise and impactful writing. Remember to focus on context and use more common alternatives when more clarity is needed. Alternatives such as "suppressed yearning" or "unacknowledged desire" can be considered depending on the nuances needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suppressed yearning

Emphasizes the act of holding back a strong desire, focusing on the internal restraint.

unacknowledged desire

Highlights the lack of recognition or acceptance of a particular longing.

subdued craving

Suggests a less intense, more controlled form of wanting something.

latent yearning

Implies a hidden or dormant longing that has the potential to emerge.

pent-up desire

Conveys a sense of contained and potentially explosive longing.

bottled-up longing

Similar to pent-up, but with a stronger emphasis on emotional suppression.

smoldering passion

Suggests a hidden, intense emotional desire that is not openly expressed.

veiled aspiration

Indicates a goal or ambition that is not openly stated or pursued.

hidden appetite

Emphasizes a secret or unacknowledged craving, often for something sensual or forbidden.

unspoken want

Focuses on the absence of verbal expression of a particular desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "repressed longing" in a sentence?

Employ "repressed longing" to depict a character's internal struggle or unfulfilled desires, especially when societal or personal constraints prevent them from openly expressing their emotions. It works well in literary contexts or psychological analyses.

What are some alternatives to "repressed longing"?

You can consider alternatives such as "suppressed yearning", "unacknowledged desire", or "hidden desire" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "repressed longing" a formal or informal expression?

"Repressed longing" leans towards a more formal and literary register. It is suitable for academic writing, in-depth analyses, or creative writing where a sophisticated tone is desired. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.

What does "repressed longing" imply about the person experiencing it?

It suggests an individual who is consciously or unconsciously suppressing deep desires or yearnings, often due to internal or external pressures. This can lead to internal conflict, emotional tension, or a sense of unfulfillment.