Conquest vs. Quest — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Conquest involves taking control through force or war, typically involving nations or territories, while a quest is a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something, often involving adventure.
Difference Between Conquest and Quest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conquest is primarily associated with the act of conquering or taking control over a region, typically in a historical or militaristic context. This often involves force, military strength, or political power. Whereas, a quest refers to a long or arduous search for something significant, frequently depicted in literature and mythology as a personal or heroic journey.
In conquest, the emphasis is often on domination and the acquisition of power over people or places. Historical examples include the Roman conquests or the colonial conquests by European powers. On the other hand, a quest is characterized by the pursuit of a specific goal or object, such as the quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend, which symbolizes a journey of moral or spiritual significance.
Conquest usually results in the control of a territory and often involves subjugation and imposition of the conqueror’s rules over the conquered. Whereas a quest is generally a voluntary, self-imposed pursuit driven by a desire for personal growth, achievement, or fulfillment of a prophecy.
The outcomes of conquests are typically tangible, such as territorial expansion or control over resources. On the other hand, quests often yield intangible rewards, such as wisdom, knowledge, or personal transformation, highlighting the contrast in their nature and goals.
While conquests can change the course of history, shaping boundaries and cultures through power dynamics, quests primarily transform individuals, often leading to inner development and enlightenment, reflecting their differing impacts on the world and on personal lives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Acquisition of control through force or war
Search for something significant with challenges
Motivation
Power, domination, territorial gain
Personal growth, fulfillment of a goal or prophecy
Outcomes
Territorial expansion, subjugation
Wisdom, personal achievement, enlightenment
Typical Context
Historical, militaristic
Mythological, literary, personal
Nature
Often involuntary (for the conquered)
Voluntary and personal
Compare with Definitions
Conquest
The act of conquering a country or territory.
The Norman conquest of England in 1066 changed the course of British history.
Quest
A journey made in search of something valuable.
The novelist's quest for the perfect setting for her story inspired her travels.
Conquest
A successful campaign against opposition.
Her conquest of her fears marked a significant personal victory.
Quest
A long or arduous search for something.
The scientist's quest for a cure to the disease spanned decades.
Conquest
A victory gained through combat.
His conquest in the chess tournament earned him national recognition.
Quest
A pursuit or endeavor to find or obtain something.
His quest for knowledge took him to many countries.
Conquest
The subjugation and assumption of control of a place or people by use of military force.
The conquest of the Aztec Empire by Spanish conquistadors was brutal and decisive.
Quest
A mission or journey undertaken with a goal in mind.
They embarked on a quest to discover their family roots.
Conquest
Something gained through conquering.
The new territories were her conquests during the long campaign.
Quest
An expedition undertaken to achieve something.
The mountaineers set out on a quest to reach the unclimbed peak.
Conquest
Conquest is the act of military subjugation of an enemy by force of arms. Military history provides many examples of conquest: the Roman conquest of Gaul, the Mauryan conquest of Afghanistan and of vast areas of the Indian subcontinent, the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and various Arab conquests, all of which were successful in bringing foreign states under the conquerors' control.
Quest
A quest is a journey toward a specific mission or a goal. The word serves as a plot device in mythology and fiction: a difficult journey towards a goal, often symbolic or allegorical.
Conquest
The act or process of conquering
The Spanish conquest of Mexico.
The conquest of an infectious disease.
The conquest of shyness.
Quest
The act or an instance of seeking or pursuing something; a search.
Conquest
Something, such as territory, acquired by conquering.
Quest
An expedition undertaken in medieval romance by a knight in order to perform a prescribed feat
The quest for the Holy Grail.
Conquest
A person or group whose affection or admiration has been gained
The pianist made a conquest of every audience on the tour.
Quest
An inquest.
Conquest
A person who has been seduced by another.
Quest
A jury appointed to take part in an inquest.
Conquest
Victory gained through combat; the subjugation of an enemy.
Quest
To search for something
Quested for knowledge.
Conquest
An act or instance of overcoming an obstacle.
Quest
To go on a quest.
Conquest
That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.
Quest
To search for game or bay when sighting game, as a hound.
Conquest
The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition.
Quest
A journey or effort in pursuit of a goal (often lengthy, ambitious, or fervent); a mission.
Conquest
(video games) A competitive mode found in first-person shooter games in which competing teams (usually two) attempt to take over predetermined spawn points labeled by flags.
Quest
The act of seeking, or looking after anything; attempt to find or obtain; search; pursuit.
To rove in quest of game, of a lost child, of property, etc.
Conquest
(archaic) To conquer.
Quest
(obsolete) Request; desire; solicitation.
Conquest
(marketing) To compete with an established competitor by placing advertisements for one's own products adjacent to editorial content relating to the competitor or by using terms and keywords for one's own products that are currently associated with the competitor.
Quest
(obsolete) A group of people making search or inquiry.
Conquest
The act or process of conquering, or acquiring by force; the act of overcoming or subduing opposition by force, whether physical or moral; subjection; subjugation; victory.
In joys of conquest he resigns his breath.
Three years sufficed for the conquest of the country.
Quest
(obsolete) Inquest; jury of inquest.
Conquest
That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
Quest
(education) A short test.
Conquest
The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition.
Quest
(intransitive) To seek or pursue a goal; to undertake a mission or job.
Conquest
The act of gaining or regaining by successful struggle; as, the conquest of liberty or peace.
Quest
(transitive) To search for something; to seek.
Conquest
The act of conquering
Quest
To locate and attach to a host animal.
Conquest
Success in mastering something difficult;
The conquest of space
Quest
The act of seeking, or looking after anything; attempt to find or obtain; search; pursuit; as, to rove in quest of game, of a lost child, of property, etc.
Upon an hard adventure yet in quest.
Cease your quest of love.
There ended was his quest, there ceased his care.
Quest
Request; desire; solicitation.
Gad not abroad at every quest and callOf an untrained hope or passion.
Quest
Those who make search or inquiry, taken collectively.
The senate hath sent about three several quests to search you out.
Quest
Inquest; jury of inquest.
What lawful quest have given their verdict ?
Quest
To search for; to examine.
Quest
To go on a quest; to make a search; to go in pursuit; to beg.
If his questing had been unsuccessful, he appeased the rage of hunger with some scraps of broken meat.
Quest
A search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria;
The pursuit of love
Life is more than the pursuance of fame
A quest for wealth
Quest
The act of searching for something;
A quest for diamonds
Quest
Make a search (for);
Things that die with their eyes open and questing
The animal came questing through the forest
Quest
Search the trail of (game);
The dog went off and quested
Quest
Bark with prolonged noises, of dogs
Quest
Seek alms, as for religious purposes
Quest
Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between conquest and quest?
Conquest involves acquiring control, often through force, whereas a quest is a pursuit aimed at finding something or achieving a goal.
How do conquests affect cultures?
Conquests can dramatically reshape cultures, often blending or even erasing aspects of the conquered culture.
Is there a modern equivalent to conquest?
Modern equivalents might include corporate takeovers or political domination in certain contexts.
What examples of quests are seen in modern times?
Modern quests can include scientific research missions, exploration of space, or personal quests for self-improvement.
How does a quest differ from a regular journey?
Quests are characterized by a specific goal or purpose, often involving challenges, unlike regular journeys.
Can conquests be peaceful?
Typically, conquests imply force and conflict, though some can be more strategic, involving minimal violence.
What drives a person to embark on a quest?
Often, quests are driven by the pursuit of knowledge, fulfillment of a prophecy, or personal transformation.
Can a conquest be justified ethically?
This depends on context and perspective, but conquests often involve ethical debates, particularly concerning the use of force.
Do quests always have a positive outcome?
While not always successful, quests often provide valuable lessons and experiences.
Can conquests be seen in a positive light?
In some contexts, conquests are viewed as necessary for growth or survival, though they are often controversial.
What role do conquests play in history?
Conquests have played crucial roles in shaping political boundaries, cultures, and power dynamics throughout history.
Are quests always physical journeys?
Not necessarily. Quests can be metaphorical, involving personal or spiritual journeys rather than physical travel.
What can be learned from historical conquests?
Historical conquests teach about power dynamics, resilience, and the impact of leadership and strategy.
How does mythology treat quests?
Mythology often glorifies quests, presenting them as heroic endeavors with profound moral and ethical implications.
How can quests influence an individual’s life?
Quests can lead to significant personal growth and insights, impacting an individual's beliefs and life choices.
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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.
