secret longings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret longings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe hidden desires or wishes that someone may not openly express. Example: "She often found herself lost in thought, reflecting on her secret longings for adventure and freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

NF: I did drama at school and loved it and I had secret longings about being an actor.

Independent

The New Yorker, September 22, 1934 P. 15 The National Broadcasting Company has notified us this week that several of their stars are beset by secret longings.

The New Yorker

By E. B. White The New Yorker, September 22, 1934 P. 15 The National Broadcasting Company has notified us this week that several of their stars are beset by secret longings.

The New Yorker

It's all getting a bit much for our hero Tyler/Ricky/Brent/Hugo: his secret longings, his stubborn parents, that boy in the swimming team, the imminent school poetry contest.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then guilt about that secret longing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some secret longing to make the world a better place?

The Economist

As he told another interviewer, political engagement might also moderate Iran over time.A secret longing?

The Economist

Years later she finds out that the matron had spoken to her mother about her secret longing.

The New Yorker

Margaret agreed She told Him that her secret longing had always been to make a head in green bronze.

The New Yorker

But Adam's punishment for allowing Sweetie to admit to his most secret longing is brutal and merciless.

The Guardian - Books

[Laughs.] Maybe, having grown up in a place that's completely devoid of topography, it's some kind of secret longing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secret longings" to add emotional depth when describing a character's internal motivations or hidden desires. It's more evocative than simply stating they have "desires."

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly state they have "secret longings" in direct dialogue unless aiming for a melodramatic effect. Show, don't tell; reveal these longings through actions and subtext.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret longings" functions as a noun phrase, where "secret" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "longings". It describes desires or aspirations that are kept hidden or unexpressed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secret longings" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe hidden desires or aspirations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, although the frequency is relatively rare. Primarily found in news and media, its function is to add emotional depth. Consider the subtle difference to "hidden desires" and choose the phrasing that best matches the intended meaning. Avoid overusing it in dialogue, and focus on showing, not telling, the hidden desires of your characters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden desires

Replaces "longings" with a more general term for desires, implying they are not openly expressed.

covert desires

Synonym with 'covert', emphasizing the concealed nature of the desires.

unspoken yearnings

Substitutes "longings" with "yearnings" emphasizing a deep, unexpressed desire.

concealed yearnings

Similar to unspoken yearnings, but emphasizes the act of hiding them.

latent aspirations

Replaces both words with more formal synonyms, suggesting dormant ambitions.

unacknowledged desires

Suggests the person may not even admit these desires to themselves.

suppressed desires

Suggests the desires are actively held back or repressed.

inner cravings

Focuses on intense desires that originate internally.

private ambitions

Highlights ambitions that are kept to oneself.

closeted ambitions

Implies the ambitions are kept hidden due to fear of judgment or societal constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "secret longings" in a sentence?

You can use "secret longings" to describe hidden desires or wishes that someone may not openly express. For example: "Despite his success, he harbored "secret longings" for a simpler life."

What are some alternatives to "secret longings"?

Alternatives include "hidden desires", "unspoken yearnings", or "latent aspirations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "secret longings" or "hidden desires"?

"Secret longings" implies a deeper emotional yearning, while "hidden desires" is a more general term. Choose "secret longings" when you want to emphasize the emotional weight of the unfulfilled wishes.

How does "secret longings" differ from "unfulfilled dreams"?

"Secret longings" suggests a more persistent and perhaps less clearly defined desire than "unfulfilled dreams". Dreams are often specific goals, while longings can be vaguer, more emotional needs.