search for contentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "search for contentment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the pursuit of happiness or inner peace in various contexts, such as personal development or mental health. Example: "Many people embark on a journey to search for contentment in their lives, often exploring different philosophies and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Abrahams writes as a foreigner investigating hygge; she combines expertise on Danish design with a memoir-ish approach about the search for contentment in her own life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Janet Maslin said in The Times in 1992 that "the film attempts to find some meaning in the hero's search for contentment with a scissors-wielding mate".

The New York Times

For another, the people whose commitment to unconventional sexual principles Witt admires most are motivated by their own search for contentment.

The New Yorker

LIFE DURING WARTIME Todd Solondz revisits some of the characters of his 1998 "Happiness," now played by different actors, as they continue their search for contentment in the tropical paradise of Miami — so unlike the New Jersey they left behind.

The New York Times

Again, it's about escape, the search for contentment that permeates Boxer: Berninger has described the lyrics "as wanting to get out of some anxiety-filled public situation, where there's a party or something and you just want to escape and be home, close the doors with someone that you really care about and just be stupid and laugh".

The Guardian - Music

"Because we chose to write a story about one person's search for contentment -- and, really, that's all it is!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In this memoir, an influential feminist writer searches for contentment in lives lived unconventionally.

The New Yorker

In her new book, America the Anxious, Whippman explores the multibillion dollar happiness industry, and the question of why Americans always seem to be searching for contentment and never finding it.

Vice

In one song, about the search for inner contentment, Ms. Carpenter urges her listeners not to "be late for your life".

The New York Times - Arts

"I had wanted to seek out a higher principle of life than the search for mere contentment, to pursue emotional experiences that could not be immediately transposed to a party of young people in a cell phone ad, even if it meant delving into ugliness, contracting an STD, or lifting my shirt to entice someone jerking off over the Internet.

The New Yorker

Based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel Lady Susan, Stillman has turned the epistolary prose into a film that not only highlights not only Austen's particular brand of comedy, but Beckinsale as the conniving "Lady" of the title, Susan Vernon, who is at turns devious and alluring as she manipulates friends, family, and acquaintance alike in her search for physical and material contentment.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal journeys or character motivations, use "search for contentment" to emphasize a deep, internal quest for peace and satisfaction, rather than a superficial pursuit of pleasure.

Common error

Avoid portraying "search for contentment" as simply seeking fleeting pleasures. Contentment implies a deeper, more stable sense of satisfaction, distinct from temporary happiness. Ensure your writing reflects this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search for contentment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb. It describes the act of seeking a state of satisfaction and peace, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "search for contentment" describes the active pursuit of inner peace and satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "search for contentment" is less frequent than other expressions like "pursue happiness", it carries a unique emphasis on the depth and stability of the sought-after satisfaction. It is commonly found in journalistic and general online sources, highlighting personal journeys and philosophical discussions. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the intentional quest for a lasting sense of fulfillment, distinguishing it from the pursuit of transient pleasures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek fulfillment

Focuses on achieving a state of satisfaction and completeness, rather than just contentment.

pursue happiness

Emphasizes the active chasing of joyful experiences and a generally happy state.

look for satisfaction

Highlights the quest for a feeling of being pleased with one's life or circumstances.

seek inner peace

Concentrates on finding a sense of calm and tranquility within oneself.

strive for well-being

Broader in scope, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health in the pursuit of a good life.

desire serenity

Highlights the aspiration for a state of calmness and peace, often in the face of chaos.

chase gratification

Implies a more active and potentially fleeting pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction.

hunt for tranquility

Suggests a dedicated search for a state of quiet and peacefulness.

aspire to fulfillment

Focuses on having a strong desire to achieve a sense of completeness and satisfaction.

aim for satisfaction

Highlights setting a goal to achieve a state of contentment or pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "search for contentment" in a sentence?

You can use "search for contentment" to describe someone's journey towards finding inner peace and satisfaction. For example: "Her "search for contentment" led her to meditation and mindfulness practices."

What are some alternatives to "search for contentment"?

You can use alternatives like "seek fulfillment", "pursue happiness", or "look for satisfaction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "search for contentment" or "find contentment"?

"Search for contentment" describes the process of seeking inner peace, while "find contentment" describes the state of having achieved it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the journey or the destination.

What's the difference between "search for contentment" and "search for happiness"?

While both involve seeking a positive emotional state, "search for contentment" suggests a quest for deeper, more stable satisfaction, whereas "search for happiness" may imply seeking more immediate and potentially fleeting joy.