Desire vs. Wish: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
Desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen, while Wish tends to be a request or hope for an outcome or situation, often unreal or unattainable.
Key Differences
Desire is often seen as a robust and continuous feeling which seeks satisfaction through obtaining or achieving something. It might have a stronger and sometimes prolonged emphasis on the physical or psychological need for the object or outcome. For example, one might desire a specific career due to its benefits or alignment with personal skills and passions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
On the other hand, Wish frequently carries a connotation of something that might be more whimsical or unattainable - it is often something that the individual wants but recognizes may not be possible. For instance, one might wish to win the lottery, understanding the odds are very slim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Desire can also be seen as a more passionate and tangible wanting that might drive actions or plans to make it come to fruition. It is usually more associated with realistic or attainable goals or objects. It’s not rare to hear it in contexts that might involve planning or strategies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Wish, while still representing a want, might not always instigate action or planning due to its occasional pairing with less realistic or more fantastical wants. People might express a wish on whimsy without an actual plan or expectation of fulfillment.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Both Desire and Wish can be expressed verbally or internally but they showcase different intensities and possible actions towards obtaining what is wanted. While desires might often lead to planning and actions towards obtaining the target, wishes might not always impact behavior or plans to the same extent.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Attainability
Often realistic and attainable.
Can be unattainable or fantastical.
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Oct 03, 2023
Drive to Action
Might instigate planning or action.
May not lead to actions or plans.
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Oct 03, 2023
Common Contexts
Often used in practical or actionable contexts.
Used in various contexts, real or fantastical.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Desire and Wish Definitions
Desire
A strong want for something.
His desire for knowledge is evident in his reading habits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Desire
A feeling that prompts interest.
The movie ignited a desire to learn about space.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Wish
An expression for unattainable wants.
He expressed a wish to fly like a bird.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Desire
A powerful motivation for a goal.
Her desire to help others inspired her charity work.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
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Wish
A lighter, possibly whimsical want.
I wish I could eat endless ice cream without consequences.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Desire
A personal inclination towards something.
His desire towards healthy eating motivated his diet.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Wish
A feeling that one would like to have or do something or to see something happen; a desire, longing, or strong inclination for a specific thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
An expression of a desire, longing, or strong inclination
Carried out the wishes included in the will.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
An expression of desire for the happiness or success of another
Sent me his best wishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To feel or express a desire for
I wish them good luck. He wished her good night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To order, entreat, or request
I wish you to go. I wish it to be known that I disagree.
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To desire (something bad) to happen to someone
I would not wish such an illness on anyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
A desire, hope, or longing for something or for something to happen.
Have a wish
Make someone's wish come true
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
To want emotionally or sexually.
She has desired him since they first met.
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
An expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and supernatural power.
Make a wish
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
The thing desired or longed for.
My dearest wish is to see them happily married.
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
(uncountable) Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.
His desire for her kept him awake at night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To hope (for a particular outcome), even if that outcome is unlikely to occur or cannot occur.
I wish I could go back in time and teach myself what I know now.
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
(ditransitive) To bestow (a thought or gesture) towards (someone or something).
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
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Oct 11, 2022
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 11, 2022
Wish
To have a desire or yearning; to long; to hanker.
They cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
This is as good an argument as an antiquary could wish for.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To desire; to long for; to hanker after; to have a mind or disposition toward.
I would not wishAny companion in the world but you.
I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
To frame or express desires concerning; to invoke in favor of, or against, any one; to attribute, or cal down, in desire; to invoke; to imprecate.
I would not wish them to a fairer death.
I wish it may not prove some ominous foretoken of misfortune to have met with such a miser as I am.
Let them be driven backward, and put to shame, that wish me evil.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
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 11, 2022
Wish
To recommend; to seek confidence or favor in behalf of.
I would be glad to thrive, sir,And I was wished to your worship by a gentleman.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
Desire; eager desire; longing.
Behold, I am according to thy wish in God a stead.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Wish
Expression of desire; request; petition; hence, invocation or imprecation.
Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish.
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
A thing desired; an object of desire.
Will he, wise, let loose at once his ire . . . To give his enemies their wish!
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
A specific feeling of desire;
He got his wish
He was above all wishing and desire
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
An expression of some desire or inclination;
I could tell that it was his wish that the guests leave
His crying was an indirect request for attention
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare;
Give him my kind regards
My best wishes
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Oct 11, 2022
Wish
The particular preference that you have;
It was his last wish
They should respect the wishes of the people
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Oct 11, 2022
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
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 11, 2022
Wish
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022
Desire
A longing for a particular outcome.
She has a strong desire to travel the world.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Wish
A kind expression for others’ well-being.
My wish for you is health and prosperity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Can “wish” represent something attainable?
Yes, “wish” can refer to both attainable and unattainable or fantastical wants.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” refer to sexual attraction?
Yes, “desire” can refer to a strong sexual attraction or appetite.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is “desire” always linked to tangible wants?
No, “desire” can refer to both tangible items and intangible outcomes or states.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is “wish” always used for unrealistic wants?
No, “wish” can express both realistic and unrealistic wants, though often without an implication of action.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Is “desire” used in formal contexts?
Yes, “desire” can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Can “wish” be used as a greeting or farewell?
Yes, “wish” is often used in phrases like “Best wishes” as a positive greeting or farewell.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Can “wish” imply a casual want?
Yes, “wish” can express a casual or non-urgent want, often without an expectation of realization.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Does “desire” imply a level of intensity?
Generally, yes. “Desire” often suggests a strong want or need.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is “wish” related to fairy tale language?
Often, yes. “Wish” is commonly used in fairy tales and whimsical stories.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” indicate a willingness to act?
Yes, “desire” often implies a willingness or intention to pursue or act towards a want.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can “wish” imply a lack of control over an outcome?
Yes, “wish” often suggests having no power or direct control over realizing the want.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is “wish” related to traditional expressions?
Yes, “wish” is often used in traditional expressions, like “make a wish” on a birthday.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can “wish” be used in a negative context?
Yes, “wish” can be used negatively, as in wishing ill upon someone, though it's more commonly positive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” be used as a noun and a verb?
Yes, “desire” can be used both as a noun to denote a strong feeling of wanting and as a verb (desiring).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” imply a necessity?
In some contexts, yes. “Desire” can be so strong as to feel necessary to the person wanting.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” suggest selfishness?
In some contexts, “desire” might be perceived as self-centered, depending on what is being desired.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can “desire” be fleeting?
Typically, no. “Desire” usually implies a persistent or ongoing want.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is “wish” used in everyday speech?
Yes, “wish” is a common term used in everyday language to express wants or hopes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Is “desire” associated with ambition?
Yes, “desire” can be closely related to ambition when referring to goals or objectives.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can “wish” be used formally?
While commonly casual, “wish” can be used formally, especially in set phrases like “best wishes”.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 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
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
