Ambition vs. Dream — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
Ambition is the drive to achieve goals through effort, while dreams are aspirations or desires without a plan.
Difference Between Ambition and Dream
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ambition and dream, though often interlinked, serve different motivational purposes. On the other hand, dreams are more about the end state or the desire of what one wants to achieve or become.
While ambition requires practical steps, discipline, and perseverance, dreams fuel the imagination and often provide the initial spark for ambition. In essence, dreams can be seen as the blueprint for ambition; one imagines the possibility, and ambition takes over to make it a reality. This dynamic interplay highlights how both are essential for personal growth and achievement, yet they operate on different levels of action and thought.
Ambition often demands a realistic assessment of one’s abilities and a structured approach to obstacles, while dreams allow for limitless possibilities without the constraints of practicality. This distinction is crucial for understanding how each contributes to personal and professional development. While ambitions push individuals to grow, adapt, and overcome, dreams keep the passion and creativity alive, ensuring that one’s goals always have a deeper meaning or purpose.
In considering ambition and dream, it's important to recognize that both are necessary for a fulfilled life. Ambition without dreams might lead to a relentless pursuit of goals without a deeper sense of purpose, whereas dreams without ambition might result in unfulfilled potential and dissatisfaction. Together, they create a balanced approach to achieving one’s aspirations, blending the practical with the idealistic in pursuit of personal satisfaction and achievement.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The strong desire to achieve something through determined effort.
A cherished aspiration or fantasy, often without a defined pathway.
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Nature
Action-oriented and practical.
Inspirational and often idealistic.
Requirements
Discipline, planning, and perseverance.
Imagination and aspiration.
Role in Achievement
Drives the planning and execution towards goals.
Provides motivation and direction.
Relationship to Reality
Often grounded in realism, with achievable steps.
May not be grounded in practicality; can be fantastical.
Compare with Definitions
Ambition
Determination, goal orientation, and a practical approach.
His ambition drove him to open his own restaurant, meticulously planning every detail.
Dream
Vision, hope, and sometimes a leap of faith.
Their dream of a successful startup relied on innovation and a bit of luck.
Ambition
Often misconstrued as selfishness or ruthlessness.
His ambition was sometimes mistaken for arrogance, but he genuinely aimed to improve the team's performance.
Dream
An aspiration or desire, possibly fantastical, without a concrete plan for realization.
She had a dream of traveling the world, experiencing every culture.
Ambition
Discipline, effort, and a clear set of goals.
Their ambition for the company's growth required strategic planning and hard work.
Dream
Can lead to motivation and the initial spark for ambitions.
His dream to play at Carnegie Hall motivated him to practice piano diligently.
Ambition
A strong desire to achieve something through consistent effort and determination.
Her ambition to become a doctor led her to study tirelessly for her medical exams.
Dream
Seen as impractical or unrealistic.
Her dream of an eco-friendly business was initially dismissed as impractical.
Ambition
Achievements and milestones that reflect personal or professional growth.
Thanks to her ambition, she received a promotion within a year.
Dream
Imagination, inspiration, and often a sense of longing.
His dream of a peaceful world inspired him to volunteer for humanitarian causes.
Ambition
An eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as fame or power.
Dream
A dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and function of dreams are not fully understood, although they have been a topic of scientific, philosophical and religious interest throughout recorded history.
Ambition
The object or goal desired
Her ambition is the presidency.
Dream
A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep
I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights
Ambition
Desire for exertion or activity; energy
Had no ambition to go dancing.
Dream
A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal
I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion
Ambition
Eager or inordinate desire for some object that confers distinction, as preferment, honor, superiority, political power, or fame; desire to distinguish one's self from other people.
My son, John, wants to be a firefighter very much. He has a lot of ambition.
Dream
Experience dreams during sleep
I dreamed about her last night
Ambition
(countable) An object of an ardent desire.
My ambition is to own a helicopter.
Dream
Indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something greatly desired
She had dreamed of a trip to America
Ambition
A desire, as in (sense 1), for another person to achieve these things.
Dream
Contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case
I wouldn't dream of foisting myself on you
I never dreamed anyone would take offence
Ambition
(uncountable) A personal quality similar to motivation, not necessarily tied to a single goal.
Dream
A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
Ambition
(obsolete) The act of going about to solicit or obtain an office, or any other object of desire; canvassing.
Dream
A daydream; a reverie.
Ambition
To seek after ambitiously or eagerly; to covet.
Dream
A state of abstraction; a trance
Wandering around in a dream.
Ambition
The act of going about to solicit or obtain an office, or any other object of desire; canvassing.
[I] used no ambition to commend my deeds.
Dream
A condition or achievement that is longed for; an aspiration
A dream of owning their own business.
Ambition
An eager, and sometimes an inordinate, desire for preferment, honor, superiority, power, or the attainment of something.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling a way ambition:By that sin fell the angels.
The pitiful ambition of possessing five or six thousand more acres.
Dream
A wild fancy or unrealistic hope
He knew that playing for a professional team was only a dream.
Ambition
To seek after ambitiously or eagerly; to covet.
Pausanias, ambitioning the sovereignty of Greece, bargains with Xerxes for his daughter in marriage.
Dream
(Informal) One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellent, or beautiful
Her boyfriend is a dream.
Ambition
A cherished desire;
His ambition is to own his own business
Dream
To experience a dream in sleep
Dreamed of meeting an old friend.
Ambition
A strong drive for success
Dream
To daydream
Sat there dreaming during class.
Ambition
Have as one's ambition
Dream
To have a deep aspiration or hope
Dreaming of a world at peace.
Dream
To regard something as feasible or practical
I wouldn't dream of skiing on icy slopes.
Dream
To experience a dream of while asleep
Did it storm last night, or did I dream it?.
Dream
To conceive as possible; imagine
We never dreamed it would snow so much.
Dream
To have as an aspiration or hope
She dreams that she will become a pilot.
Dream
To pass (time) idly or in reverie.
Dream
Imaginary events seen in the mind while sleeping.
Have a dream
Scary dream
Vivid dream
Erotic dream
Feel like a dream
Be in a dream
Dream
(figurative) A hope or wish.
Have a dream
Fulfil a dream
Harbour a dream
Realize a dream
Dream
A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idle fancy.
A dream of bliss
The dream of his youth
Live in a dream
Wake up from a dream
Impossible dream
Dream
(intransitive) To see imaginary events in one's mind while sleeping.
Dream
(intransitive) To hope, to wish.
Dream
(intransitive) To daydream.
Stop dreaming and get back to work.
Dream
(transitive) To envision as an imaginary experience (usually when asleep).
I dreamed I was a superhero and flew through a fireworks show.
Dream
(intransitive) To consider the possibility (of).
I wouldn't dream of snubbing you in public.
Dream
Ideal; perfect.
Dream
The thoughts, or series of thoughts, or imaginary transactions, which occupy the mind during sleep; a sleeping vision.
Dreams are but interludes which fancy makes.
I had a dream which was not all a dream.
Dream
A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idle fancy; a vagary; a revery; - in this sense, applied to an imaginary or anticipated state of happiness; as, a dream of bliss; the dream of his youth.
There sober thought pursued the amusing theme,Till Fancy colored it and formed a dream.
It is not them a mere dream, but a very real aim which they propose.
Dream
To have ideas or images in the mind while in the state of sleep; to experience sleeping visions; - often with of; as, to dream of a battle, or of an absent friend.
Dream
To let the mind run on in idle revery or vagary; to anticipate vaguely as a coming and happy reality; to have a visionary notion or idea; to imagine.
Here may we sit and dreamOver the heavenly theme
They dream on in a constant course of reading, but not digesting
Dream
To have a dream of; to see, or have a vision of, in sleep, or in idle fancy; - often followed by an objective clause.
Your old men shall dream dreams
At length in sleep their bodies they compose,And dreamt the future fight
And still they dream that they shall still succeed
Dream
A series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep;
I had a dream about you last night
Dream
A cherished desire;
His ambition is to own his own business
Dream
Imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake;
He lives in a dream that has nothing to do with reality
Dream
A fantastic but vain hope (from fantasies induced by the opium pipe);
I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe
Dream
A state of mind characterized by abstraction and release from reality;
He went about his work as if in a dream
Dream
Someone of something wonderful;
This dessert is a dream
Dream
Have a daydream; indulge in a fantasy
Dream
Experience while sleeping;
She claims to never dream
He dreamt a strange scene
Common Curiosities
Are dreams always positive?
While dreams are generally positive and inspirational, they can sometimes reflect deeper fears or unrealistic desires.
Is it better to have ambitions or dreams?
Both are important; dreams inspire and give direction, while ambitions entail the effort to achieve those dreams.
What is the main difference between ambition and dream?
Ambition is the drive to achieve goals through effort, while dreams are aspirations without a plan.
Can dreams become ambitions?
Yes, dreams can inspire ambitions when one decides to take actionable steps to realize them.
How can one stay motivated towards achieving ambitions?
By setting milestones, celebrating progress, and reminding oneself of the deeper purpose behind the ambition.
How do dreams influence creativity?
Dreams can fuel creativity by inspiring innovative ideas and unconventional solutions.
Is it normal to lose sight of ambitions and dreams?
Yes, changing circumstances and evolving personal values can lead to shifts in ambitions and dreams.
How do ambitions affect personal growth?
Ambitions drive individuals to set goals, overcome challenges, and achieve personal growth through perseverance.
Can ambition be taught?
While ambition can be encouraged or fostered, it often stems from personal desire and motivation.
How does one convert a dream into an ambition?
By setting clear, achievable goals and planning the steps to realize the dream, it becomes an ambition.
What role does planning play in achieving ambitions?
Planning is crucial in breaking down the path to ambition into manageable steps, making achievement more attainable.
Do successful people focus more on ambitions or dreams?
Successful people often start with dreams for motivation and focus on ambitions for actionable steps towards achievement.
Can ambition be harmful?
Excessive ambition without balance can lead to stress, burnout, or neglect of personal relationships.
Are ambitions always related to career?
No, ambitions can relate to any aspect of life, including personal development, hobbies, or relationships.
Can someone have too many dreams?
Having many dreams is not inherently negative, but focusing on too many at once can dilute effort and impact.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
