Desire vs. Need: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 16, 2023
Desire is a strong want for something, while need is a necessity essential for survival or well-being.
Key Differences
Desire represents a strong wish or longing for something that may not be essential. Need refers to something fundamental for survival or well-being, such as food or shelter.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Desires are often subjective and vary greatly among individuals. Needs are more universal and consistent across different people.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Fulfilling a desire can lead to pleasure and satisfaction, but it's not crucial for basic functioning. Fulfilling a need is essential for maintaining health, safety, or stability.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Desires can be limitless and change over time, influenced by personal preferences and external factors. Needs are more finite and consistent, dictated by basic human requirements.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
In decision-making, desires often represent wants or aspirations, whereas needs signify requirements or necessities.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Importance
Non-essential, for pleasure or luxury
Essential for survival or well-being
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Fulfillment Consequences
Leads to satisfaction or pleasure
Crucial for basic functioning
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Role in Decision-Making
Represents wants or aspirations
Signifies requirements or necessities
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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Desire and Need Definitions
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Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
A condition or situation in which something must be supplied in order for a certain condition to be maintained or a desired state to be achieved
Crops in need of water.
A child's need for affection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
Something required or wanted; a requisite
"Those of us who led the charge for these women's issues ... shared a common vision in the needs of women" (Olympia Snowe).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
To be under the necessity of or the obligation to
They need not come. You needn't be concerned.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
To have need of; require
The family needs money. We need to get some more paint.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
To be subject (to an action) by obligation
Bags need to be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
To want emotionally or sexually.
She has desired him since they first met.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
A requirement for something; something needed.
There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.
She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.
Our needs are not being met.
I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
(transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.
Living things need water to survive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
(transitive) To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.
After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
(uncountable) Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.
His desire for her kept him awake at night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
(modal verb) To be obliged or required (to do something).
You need not go if you don't want to.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion for something; necessity; urgent want.
And the city had no need of the sun.
I have no need to beg.
Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord?
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
Famine is in thy cheeks;Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
That which is needful; anything necessary to be done; (pl.) necessary things; business.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
The natural longing that is excited by the enjoyment or the thought of any good, and impels to action or effort its continuance or possession; an eager wish to obtain or enjoy.
Unspeakable desire to see and know.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
Other creatures all day longRove idle, unemployed, and less need rest.
Sawaira Riaz
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Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
To be wanted; to be necessary.
When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
A condition requiring relief;
She satisfied his need for affection
God has no need of men to accomplish His work
There is a demand for jobs
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
Anything that is necessary but lacking;
He had sufficient means to meet his simple needs
I tried to supply his wants
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
We did not understand his motivation
He acted with the best of motives
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
A state of extreme poverty or destitution;
Their indigence appalled him
A general state of need exists among the homeless
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Need
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Can desires become needs?
Rarely, if a desire is essential for psychological well-being.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can fulfilling desires be harmful?
Potentially, if it leads to neglecting needs or harmful behaviors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
What is a need?
Need refers to something essential for survival or well-being.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Do desires have any benefits?
Yes, they can motivate personal growth and satisfaction.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Can needs change over time?
Basic needs remain consistent, but individual needs can evolve.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Are needs the same for everyone?
Basic needs are universal, but individual needs can vary.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Is it important to fulfill needs?
Yes, fulfilling needs is crucial for health and stability.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Are desires always materialistic?
No, desires can also be immaterial, like the desire for love or success.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
How do desires influence behavior?
Desires can drive individuals to pursue specific goals or experiences.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Do desires contribute to happiness?
They can, if pursued in balance and without neglecting needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can society influence desires?
Yes, societal norms and trends can shape personal desires.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
How are needs identified?
Needs are identified as requirements for maintaining health and stability.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Can desires lead to disappointment?
Yes, if they are unrealistic or unattainable.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Are needs linked to survival?
Yes, basic needs are directly linked to survival and well-being.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Is fulfilling every desire possible?
Not always, as desires can be limitless and sometimes conflicting.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Is meeting needs a priority over desires?
Typically, yes, as needs are essential for well-being.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Do children have different needs than adults?
Yes, children have specific developmental needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can unfulfilled desires affect mental health?
Possibly, if it leads to chronic dissatisfaction or unhappiness.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Are needs the same as rights?
Not necessarily, but basic needs are often considered fundamental rights.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
