underlying desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or hidden wish or motivation that influences behavior or thoughts. Example: "Her underlying desire for acceptance drove her to seek approval from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But the underlying desire to communicate is the driver – that hasn't changed.

The Guardian

Appreciation of the consumer's feelings would have revealed that genuine odor elimination was the underlying desire.

Harvard Business Review

We each have different approaches to feminism, but recognise an underlying desire for female self-determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, Mr. Tafel added, "it's dangerous to get involved in gay politics if you have an underlying desire to be liked".

The New York Times

It is the rhetoric of someone whose underlying desire is to drill unnecessary wells on land that should be guarded, not exploited.

The New York Times

Indeed, throughout this period, the former government took great effort not to communicate to the Scottish government its underlying desire to see Mr Megrahi released before he died.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Potential changes in the underlying desired image variance are captured in the model with the term ( hat sigma _{{d_{i}}}^{2} ).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The final term needed for the correlation model is (hat {sigma }_{d_{i}}^{2}), which corresponds to the underlying desired signal variance associated with the reference patch.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Complicating matters is empirical research suggesting that our preferences are subject to such powerful contextual influences that it is better to talk about the construction of coherent preferences than about their derivation from underlying desires (see, e.g., the papers in Lichtenstein and Slovic 2006).

SEP

They, too, reflect the consumerist pop culture, sexual fetishisms and underlying desires that are prevalent in today's society by appealing to distorted images and grotesque scenes impregnated with the jolly yet most often empty emotionality we've become so accustomed to using in our daily expressions".

Vice

In most cases, the etchant was very effective at selectively etching away the Au layer without damaging the underlying desired material (such as W, Ta, Si, and ITO).

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying desire", ensure the context clearly indicates what the desire is underlying. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying desire" when referring to fleeting or superficial wants. This phrase implies a deeper, more fundamental motivation, not a simple preference or whim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental, often hidden, motivation or wish that influences actions or thoughts. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is perfectly valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a fundamental, often concealed, motivation driving behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the desire is underlying and avoid conflating it with superficial wants. Alternatives such as "core motivation" or "latent yearning" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Overall, "underlying desire" is a powerful tool for delving into the deeper reasons behind actions and intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core motivation

Emphasizes the central driving force.

innermost wish

Focuses on a deeply personal and private desire.

fundamental drive

Highlights an essential and instinctive impulse.

primary impulse

Focuses on the initial and dominant urge.

basic aspiration

Highlights a fundamental goal or ambition.

root craving

Emphasizes a deep-seated and intense longing.

deep-seated inclination

Highlights a firmly established tendency or preference.

latent yearning

Changes focus to a suppressed or hidden longing.

unspoken longing

Focuses on a desire that is not expressed verbally.

hidden agenda

Shifts to a secret or unacknowledged purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying desire" to describe a fundamental motivation or hidden wish that influences someone's behavior, for example: "Her underlying desire for recognition drove her to excel in her career."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "underlying desire"?

Alternatives include "core motivation", "basic aspiration", or "latent yearning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "deep underlying desire"?

While not strictly incorrect, "deep underlying desire" can be seen as somewhat redundant, as "underlying" already implies a fundamental or deep-seated nature. Using just "underlying desire" is often sufficient.

How does "underlying desire" differ from "overlying desire"?

"Underlying desire" refers to a fundamental, often hidden motivation, while "overlying desire" suggests a more superficial or immediate want that may mask deeper feelings or intentions.