sensual desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensual desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong physical or emotional attraction, often in a romantic or intimate context. Example: "The novel explores the complexities of sensual desire between the two main characters, highlighting their passionate connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The 12th-century Islamic philosopher Suhrawardi argued that if believers exulted in music, it would take them closer to God, but if infidels enjoyed music, it would steer them to sensual desire and thus away from Allah.

The New York Times - Arts

Celie falls in love with Shug, who awakens in her the gift of sensual desire.

Los Angeles Times

The figure's robes slip provocatively off the shoulder, revealing a bit of cleavage, and his tongue curls in a parody of sensual desire.

Los Angeles Times

Eliminating negative thoughts, deeds and unwholesome sensual desire is the process that results in the state of Nirvana.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is not a patient's crudely sensual desires which constitute the temptation.

The New Yorker

SoHo Through Jan . 10In Buddhist numerology, 108 has symbolic meanings, being, among other things, the number of sensual desires that make life simultaneously so pleasurable and so anguishing.

The New York Times - Arts

However, in ancient Chinese thought, eyes, ears, and the other sensory organs are primarily associated with sensual desires (e.g., lovely sights, beautiful music, fine foods, etc).. Physical desires are never treated as intrinsically problematic.

SEP

However, they can "mislead" by leading us to focus on them to the exclusion of a more inclusive comprehension that includes our ethical motivations.[13] Thus, according to the account Mencius sketches in 6A15, our sensual desires can lead us to wrongdoing if we pursue them without also engaging our ethical motivations.

SEP

Egyptian priests and devout Hindus were forbidden from consuming them in the belief that they would lose control over their sensual desires.

Huffington Post

After her 25-year marriage ended, Karen Fitzgerald made a gutsy solo move to New York City and embraced the opportunity to explore new sides of herself, including her untapped sensual desires.

Huffington Post

There is nothing at all!" How many of us have looked inside a full refrigerator or a stuffed pantry and thought, "There's nothing to eat!" How many of us have complained about food that was healthy, sustaining and plentiful, but didn't meet our sensual desires?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "sensual desire", consider the context and audience. It's best used in mature or creative writing where exploring deep emotions or attractions is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "sensual desire" in professional or academic writing unless the topic directly pertains to sensuality or sexuality. Simpler terms like "attraction" or "interest" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensual desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensual desire" is a noun phrase used to express a strong feeling of physical and emotional attraction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and context-dependent, fitting best in creative or expressive writing where exploring deep emotions is fitting. The term appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Wiki and Science contexts. Alternatives such as "sexual longing" or "erotic yearning" can be used to convey similar meanings with varying emphasis. When employing this phrase, consider the audience and the appropriateness of its intimate connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensuous craving

Substitutes desire with craving, which conveys a strong, almost uncontrollable need.

sensual appetite

Like "carnal appetite", this also emphasizes the physical nature of the desire using the word "appetite".

sexual longing

Emphasizes the sexual aspect of the desire, focusing on longing.

erotic yearning

Highlights the erotic nature of the desire, intensifying the feeling of longing.

sexual passion

Replaces desire with passion, emphasizing intense sexual feelings.

amorous longing

Uses "amorous" to emphasize the loving and affectionate qualities of the longing.

physical attraction

Focuses on the physical aspect of the attraction, removing the emotional element.

romantic yearning

Highlights the romantic aspect of the desire.

carnal appetite

Replaces desire with appetite, emphasizing the bodily or physical nature of the feeling.

bodily lust

Focuses primarily on the physical and lustful aspect of the desire.

FAQs

What does "sensual desire" mean?

The term "sensual desire" refers to a strong physical or emotional attraction and longing for sensory and often sexual experiences. It encompasses a deep yearning for pleasure and intimacy.

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

You might use "sensual desire" in a sentence like: "The novel explores the characters' intense "sensual desire" for one another."

What are some alternatives to "sensual desire"?

You can use alternatives like "sexual longing", "physical attraction", or "erotic yearning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sensual desire" different from "sensuous desire"?

While both terms relate to sensory experiences, "sensual" often carries a stronger connotation of sexual or intimate attraction, whereas "sensuous" can refer to a broader range of aesthetic or sensory pleasures.