Difference Wiki

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
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Intensity

Strong and continuous feeling.
Might be lighter or whimsical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Attainability

Often realistic and attainable.
Can be unattainable or fantastical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Drive to Action

Might instigate planning or action.
May not lead to actions or plans.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Usage Example

I desire a piece of chocolate.
I wish I had a million dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023

Common Contexts

Often used in practical or actionable contexts.
Used in various contexts, real or fantastical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

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

Wish

A want for a specific outcome.
My only wish is for your happiness.
Aimie Carlson
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
ADVERTISEMENT

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

Desire

To want to have sex with (another person).
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

To express a wish for; request.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

Something desired or longed for
Finally got his wish to see the ocean.
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 long for; want.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
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

Desire

Sexual appetite; passion.
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.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Desire

(Archaic) A request or petition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

To have or feel a desire
Wish for a successful outcome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

To express a wish.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To want emotionally or sexually.
She has desired him since they first met.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

An expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and supernatural power.
Make a wish
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

The thing desired or longed for.
My dearest wish is to see them happily married.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To require; to demand; to claim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

(Sussex) A water meadow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

To miss; to regret.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

(transitive) To desire; to want.
I'll come tomorrow, if you wish it.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Wish

To hope (+ object clause with may or in present subjunctive).
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.
Sawaira Riaz
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

(uncountable) Motivation. en
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

To request or desire to do an activity.
Sawaira Riaz
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

(transitive) To recommend; to seek confidence or favour on behalf of.
Sawaira Riaz
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Sawaira Riaz
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!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

Grief; regret.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

A specific feeling of desire;
He got his wish
He was above all wishing and desire
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Sawaira Riaz
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare;
Give him my kind regards
My best wishes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Desire

Something that is desired
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

The particular preference that you have;
It was his last wish
They should respect the wishes of the people
Sawaira Riaz
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

Wish

Hope for; have a wish;
I wish I could go home now
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

Express a desire for
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

Have in mind;
I will take the exam tomorrow
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

Make or express a wish;
I wish that Christmas were over
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

Feel or express a desire or hope concerning the future or fortune of
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

Order politely; express a wish for
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

Invoke upon;
Wish you a nice evening
Bid farewell
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2022

Wish

A hope for something to happen.
I wish for sunny weather tomorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Sumera 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.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons