Desire vs. Drive — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
Desire is a strong feeling of wanting something, often emotional or pleasure-based, while drive is a motivated commitment towards achieving goals.
Difference Between Desire and Drive
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire often refers to a strong feeling or craving for something, typically linked to emotional or physical needs and wants. It's characterized by a longing that may or may not be acted upon. On the other hand, drive implies a sustained, goal-oriented motivation that propels a person to take action towards achieving specific outcomes. It's more about commitment and determination than mere longing.
While desire can be fleeting or persistent, affecting various aspects of life such as food, relationships, or possessions, drive is usually focused and directed towards long-term goals or ambitions. Drive is the force that keeps one moving forward, even in the face of obstacles, whereas desire may not necessarily lead to action.
Desires can be seen as the initial spark that might ignite motivation or interest in pursuing something. In contrast, drive is the fuel that keeps the engine running, ensuring consistent effort towards goal attainment. Drive is often rooted in deeper psychological needs or personal values, making it a powerful source of energy for sustained action.
The nature of desire is often more personal and subjective, influenced by individual tastes, experiences, and emotions. Drive, however, is shaped by a combination of personal ambition, societal expectations, and intrinsic motivation. It is more universally understood as the determination to succeed or achieve.
Desire can exist without drive; one might desire something without the motivation or means to pursue it. Conversely, drive can manifest without a specific desire; one may have the drive to succeed without desiring the specific outcomes that success might bring.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A strong feeling of wanting to have or do something, often tied to emotions or pleasure.
A motivated and sustained effort towards achieving a goal, often tied to ambition.
Nature
Emotional, often spontaneous.
Goal-oriented, persistent.
Outcome
May not lead to action.
Leads to sustained action towards a goal.
Motivation
Can be external or internal, often based on personal satisfaction.
Primarily internal, based on achieving specific outcomes or fulfilling ambitions.
Relationship
Can trigger motivation but lacks the sustained commitment to action.
Driven by a deeper, enduring commitment to achieving goals, independent of immediate wants.
Compare with Definitions
Desire
Craving, especially for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment.
He had a sudden desire for chocolate cake.
Drive
An inner urge that compels someone to act towards a goal.
Her drive to succeed in her career was unstoppable.
Desire
Emotional inclination towards something or someone.
They shared a mutual desire to make the project succeed.
Drive
A sustained effort towards achieving a goal.
The athlete's drive to win was evident in her rigorous training.
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen.
She had a strong desire to travel the world.
Drive
The psychological force that propels an individual towards a specific goal.
His drive for knowledge made him a lifelong learner.
Desire
An attraction to someone or something.
His desire for the new book was evident in his excitement.
Drive
The motivating force behind purposeful action.
His drive for innovation led to the creation of new technologies.
Desire
A wish or longing not necessarily driven by need.
Her desire to learn painting was purely for personal enjoyment.
Drive
Determination and ambition to achieve something.
He showed incredible drive in overcoming obstacles.
Desire
Desires are states of mind that are expressed by terms like "wanting", "wishing", "longing" or "craving". A great variety of features is commonly associated with desires.
Drive
Operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle
They drove back into town
He got into his car and drove off
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Drive
Propel or carry along by force in a specified direction
The wind will drive you onshore
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Drive
Urge or force (animals or people) to move in a specified direction
The French infantry were driven back
They drove a flock of sheep through the centre of the city
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Drive
(of a fact or feeling) compel (someone) to act in a particular way, especially one that is considered undesirable or inappropriate
He was driven by ambition
Some people are driven to murder their tormentors
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Drive
A trip or journey in a car
They went for a drive in the country
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Drive
An organized effort by a number of people to achieve a purpose
A recruitment drive by the police
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Drive
The transmission of power to machinery or to the wheels of a motor vehicle
He experimented with chain drive to run the propeller
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Drive
(in ball games) a forceful stroke made with a free swing of the bat, racket, or foot against the ball
A hard drive to left field
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Drive
An act of driving a group of animals to a particular destination
Cattle were no longer taken on long drives, but were delivered by rail
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Drive
To push, propel, or press onward forcibly; urge forward
Drove the horses into the corral.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Drive
To repulse or put to flight by force or influence
Drove the attackers away.
Drove out any thought of failure.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Drive
To guide, control, or direct (a vehicle).
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Drive
To convey or transport in a vehicle
Drove the children to school.
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Drive
To traverse in a vehicle
Drive the freeways to work.
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Drive
To supply the motive force or power to and cause to function
Steam drives the engine.
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Drive
To cause or sustain, as if by supplying force or power
"The current merger mania is apparently driven by an urge ... to reduce risk or to exploit opportunities in a very rapidly changing business environment" (Peter Passell).
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.
Drive
To compel or force to work, often excessively
"Every serious dancer is driven by notions of perfection—perfect expressiveness, perfect technique" (Susan Sontag).
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Drive
To force into or from a particular act or state
Indecision drives me crazy.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Drive
To force to go through or penetrate
Drove the stake into the ground.
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.
Drive
To create or produce by penetrating forcibly
The nail drove a hole in the tire.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Drive
To carry through vigorously to a conclusion
Drove home his point.
Drive a hard bargain.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Drive
(Sports) To throw, strike, or cast (a ball, for example) hard or rapidly.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Drive
(Basketball) To move with the ball directly through
Drove the lane and scored.
Desire
Grief; regret.
Drive
(Baseball) To cause (a run or runner) to be scored by batting. Often used with in.
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Drive
(Football) To advance the ball over (certain yardage) in plays from scrimmage.
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Drive
To chase (game) into the open or into traps or nets.
Desire
Something that is desired
Drive
To search (an area) for game in such a manner.
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Drive
To move along or advance quickly
We could hear the trucks driving along the highway.
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Drive
To rush, dash, or advance violently against an obstruction
The wind drove into my face.
Desire
Express a desire for
Drive
To operate a vehicle, such as a car
How long has he been driving?.
Drive
To go or be transported in a vehicle
We all got in the car and drove to the supermarket.
Drive
(Sports) To hit, throw, or impel a ball or other missile forcibly.
Drive
(Basketball) To move directly to the basket with the ball.
Drive
(Football) To advance the ball in plays from scrimmage.
Drive
To make an effort to reach or achieve an objective; aim.
Drive
The act of driving
Took the car out for a drive after dinner.
Drive
A trip or journey in a vehicle
It's a long drive to Eau Claire from here.
Drive
Abbr. Dr. A road for automobiles and other vehicles.
Drive
The means or apparatus for transmitting motion or power to a machine or from one machine part to another.
Drive
The position or operating condition of such a mechanism
"He put his car into drive and started home" (Charles Baxter).
Drive
The means by which automotive power is applied to a roadway
Four-wheel drive.
Drive
The means or apparatus for controlling and directing an automobile
Right-hand drive.
Drive
(Computers) A device that reads data from and often writes data onto a storage medium, such as an optical disc or flash memory.
Drive
Energy, push, or aggressiveness
An executive with a lot of drive.
Drive
(Psychology) A strong motivating tendency or instinct related to self-preservation, reproduction, or aggression that prompts activity toward a particular end.
Drive
A massive, sustained military offensive.
Drive
(Sports) The act of hitting, knocking, or thrusting a ball very swiftly.
Drive
(Sports) The stroke or thrust by which a ball is driven
An awkward drive on the first tee that sent the ball into the woods.
Drive
(Sports) The ball or puck as it is propelled
The goalie stopped a hard drive in the opening minute.
Drive
(Basketball) The act of moving with the ball directly to the basket.
Drive
(Football) A series of downs in which the ball is advanced by the offensive team.
Drive
A rounding up and driving of livestock to new pastures or to market.
Drive
A gathering and driving of logs down a river.
Drive
The cattle or logs thus driven.
Drive
Planned, usually long-lasting, effort to achieve something; ability coupled with ambition, determination, and motivation.
Crassus had wealth and wit, but Pompey had drive and Caesar as much again.
Drive
Violent or rapid motion; a rushing onward or away; especially, a forced or hurried dispatch of business.
Drive
An act of driving (prompting) game animals forward, to be captured or hunted.
Drive
An act of driving (prompting) livestock animals forward, to transport a herd.
Drive
(military) A sustained advance in the face of the enemy to take a strategic objective.
Napoleon's drive on Moscow was as determined as it was disastrous.
Drive
A mechanism used to power or give motion to a vehicle or other machine or machine part.
A typical steam drive
A nuclear drive
Chain drive
Front-wheel drive
Some old model trains have clockwork drives.
Drive
A trip made in a vehicle (now generally in a motor vehicle).
It was a long drive.
Drive
A driveway.
The mansion had a long, tree-lined drive.
Drive
A type of public roadway.
Beverly Hills’ most famous street is Rodeo Drive.
Drive
(dated) A place suitable or agreeable for driving; a road prepared for driving.
Drive
(psychology) Desire or interest.
Drive
(computer hardware) An apparatus for reading and writing data to or from a mass storage device such as a disk.
Floppy drive
Drive
(computer hardware) A mass storage device in which the mechanism for reading and writing data is integrated with the mechanism for storing data.
Drive
(golf) A stroke made with a driver.
Drive
A ball struck in a flat trajectory.
Drive
(cricket) A type of shot played by swinging the bat in a vertical arc, through the line of the ball, and hitting it along the ground, normally between cover and midwicket.
Drive
(soccer) A straight level shot or pass.
Drive
(American football) An offensive possession, generally one consisting of several plays and/ or first downs, often leading to a scoring opportunity.
Drive
A charity event such as a fundraiser, bake sale, or toy drive.
A whist drive
A beetle drive
Drive
(retail) A campaign aimed at selling more of a certain product, e.g. by offering a discount.
Vaccination drive
Drive
(typography) An impression or matrix formed by a punch drift.
Drive
A collection of objects that are driven; a mass of logs to be floated down a river.
Drive
(transitive) To provide an impetus for motion or other physical change, to move an object by means of the provision of force thereto.
You drive nails into wood with a hammer.
Drive
(transitive) To provide an impetus for a non-physical change, especially a change in one's state of mind.
My husband's constant harping about the condition of the house threatens to drive me to distraction.
Drive
To displace either physically or non-physically, through the application of force.
Drive
To cause intrinsic motivation through the application or demonstration of force: to impel or urge onward thusly, to compel to move on, to coerce, intimidate or threaten.
Drive
(transitive) (especially of animals) To impel or urge onward by force; to push forward; to compel to move on.
To drive twenty thousand head of cattle from Texas to the Kansas railheads; to drive sheep out of a field
Drive
To direct a vehicle powered by a horse, ox or similar animal.
Drive
(transitive) To cause animals to flee out of.
Drive
(transitive) To move (something) by hitting it with great force.
You drive nails into wood with a hammer.
Drive
(transitive) To cause (a mechanism) to operate.
The pistons drive the crankshaft.
Drive
To operate (a wheeled motorized vehicle).
Drive a car
This SUV drives like a car.
Drive
To operate (an aircraft).
Drive a 737
Drive
(transitive) To motivate; to provide an incentive for.
What drives a person to run a marathon?
Drive
(transitive) To compel (to do something).
Their debts finally drove them to sell the business.
Drive
(transitive) To cause to become.
This constant complaining is going to drive me to insanity.
You are driving me crazy!
Drive
To hit the ball with a drive.
Drive
(intransitive) To travel by operating a wheeled motorized vehicle.
I drive to work every day.
Drive
(transitive) To convey (a person, etc.) in a wheeled motorized vehicle.
My cousin drove me to the airport.
Drive
(intransitive) To move forcefully.
Drive
(intransitive) To be moved or propelled forcefully (especially of a ship).
Drive
(transitive) To urge, press, or bring to a point or state.
Drive
(transitive) To carry or to keep in motion; to conduct; to prosecute.
Drive
(transitive) To clear, by forcing away what is contained.
Drive
(mining) To dig horizontally; to cut a horizontal gallery or tunnel.
Drive
(American football) To put together a drive (n.): to string together offensive plays and advance the ball down the field.
Drive
(obsolete) To distrain for rent.
Drive
(transitive) To separate the lighter (feathers or down) from the heavier, by exposing them to a current of air.
Drive
To impel or urge onward by force in a direction away from one, or along before one; to push forward; to compel to move on; to communicate motion to; as, to drive cattle; to drive a nail; smoke drives persons from a room.
A storm came on and drove them into Pylos.
Shield pressed on shield, and man drove man along.
Go drive the deer and drag the finny prey.
Drive
To urge on and direct the motions of, as the beasts which draw a vehicle, or the vehicle borne by them; hence, also, to take in a carriage; to convey in a vehicle drawn by beasts; as, to drive a pair of horses or a stage; to drive a person to his own door.
How . . . proud he was to drive such a brother!
Drive
To urge, impel, or hurry forward; to force; to constrain; to urge, press, or bring to a point or state; as, to drive a person by necessity, by persuasion, by force of circumstances, by argument, and the like.
He, driven to dismount, threatened, if I did not do the like, to do as much for my horse as fortune had done for his.
Drive
To carry or; to keep in motion; to conduct; to prosecute.
The trade of life can not be driven without partners.
Drive
To clear, by forcing away what is contained.
To drive the country, force the swains away.
Drive
To dig Horizontally; to cut a horizontal gallery or tunnel.
Drive
To pass away; - said of time.
Drive
Specif., in various games, as tennis, baseball, etc., to propel (the ball) swiftly by a direct stroke or forcible throw.
Drive
To operate (a vehicle) while it is on motion, by manipulating the controls, such as the steering, propulsion, and braking mechanisms.
Drive
To rush and press with violence; to move furiously.
Fierce Boreas drove against his flying sails.
Under cover of the night and a driving tempest.
Time driveth onward fast,And in a little while our lips are dumb.
Drive
To be forced along; to be impelled; to be moved by any physical force or agent; to be driven.
The hull drives on, though mast and sail be torn.
The chaise drives to Mr. Draper's chambers.
Drive
To go by carriage; to pass in a carriage; to proceed by directing or urging on a vehicle or the animals that draw it; as, the coachman drove to my door.
Drive
To press forward; to aim, or tend, to a point; to make an effort; to strive; - usually with at.
Let them therefore declare what carnal or secular interest he drove at.
Drive
To distrain for rent.
Drive
To make a drive, or stroke from the tee.
Drive
To go from one place to another in a vehicle, serving as the operator of the vehicle; to drive{9} a vehicle from one location to another.
Drive
In various games, as tennis, cricket, etc., the act of player who drives the ball; the stroke or blow; the flight of the ball, etc., so driven.
Drive
A stroke from the tee, generally a full shot made with a driver; also, the distance covered by such a stroke.
Drive
The act of driving; a trip or an excursion in a carriage, as for exercise or pleasure; - distinguished from a ride taken on horseback.
Drive
A place suitable or agreeable for driving; a road prepared for driving.
Drive
Violent or rapid motion; a rushing onward or away; esp., a forced or hurried dispatch of business.
The Murdstonian drive in business.
Drive
In type founding and forging, an impression or matrix, formed by a punch drift.
Drive
A collection of objects that are driven; a mass of logs to be floated down a river.
Drive
A private road; a driveway.
Drive
A strong psychological motivation to perform some activity.
Drive
A device for reading or writing data from or to a data storage medium, as a disk drive, a tape drive, a CD drive, etc.
Drive
An organized effort by a group to accomplish a goal within a limited period of time; as, a fund-raising drive.
Drive
The period during which one team sustains movement of the ball toward the opponent's goal without losing possession of the ball; as, a long drive downfield.
Drive
An act of driving a vehicle, especially an automobile; the journey undertaken by driving an automobile; as, to go for a drive in the country.
Drive
The mechanism which causes the moving parts of a machine to move; as, a belt drive.
Drive
The way in which the propulsive force of a vehicle is transmitted to the road; as, a car with four-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, etc.
Drive
Driven.
Drive
The act of applying force to propel something;
After reaching the desired velocity the drive is cut off
Drive
A mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machine;
A variable speed drive permitted operation through a range of speeds
Drive
A series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end;
He supported populist campaigns
They worked in the cause of world peace
The team was ready for a drive toward the pennant
The movement to end slavery
Contributed to the war effort
Drive
A road leading up to a private house;
They parked in the driveway
Drive
The trait of being highly motivated;
His drive and energy exhausted his co-workers
Drive
Hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver;
He sliced his drive out of bounds
Drive
The act of driving a herd of animals overland
Drive
A journey in a vehicle driven by someone else;
He took the family for a drive in his new car
Drive
A physiological state corresponding to a strong need or desire
Drive
(computer science) a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium
Drive
A wide scenic road planted with trees;
The riverside drive offers many exciting scenic views
Drive
(sports) a hard straight return (as in tennis or squash)
Drive
Operate or control a vehicle;
Drive a car or bus
Can you drive this four-wheel truck?
Drive
Travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morning
They motored to London for the theater
Drive
Cause someone or something to move by driving;
She drove me to school every day
We drove the car to the garage
Drive
Force into or from an action or state, either physically or metaphorically;
She rammed her mind into focus
He drives me mad
Drive
To compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly;
She is driven by her passion
Drive
Cause to move back by force or influence;
Repel the enemy
Push back the urge to smoke
Beat back the invaders
Drive
Compel somebody to do something, often against his own will or judgment;
She finally drove him to change jobs
Drive
Push, propel, or press with force;
Drive a nail into the wall
Drive
Cause to move rapidly by striking or throwing with force;
Drive the ball far out into the field
Drive
Move into a desired direction of discourse;
What are you driving at?
Drive
Have certain properties when driven;
This car rides smoothly
My new truck drives well
Drive
Work as a driver;
He drives a bread truck
She drives for the taxi company in Newark
Drive
Move by being propelled by a force;
The car drove around the corner
Drive
Urge forward;
Drive the cows into the barn
Drive
Proceed along in a vehicle;
We drive the turnpike to work
Drive
Strike with a driver, as in teeing off;
Drive a golfball
Drive
Hit very hard and straight with the bat swinging more or less vertically;
Drive a ball
Drive
Excavate horizontally;
Drive a tunnel
Drive
Cause to function by supplying the force or power for or by controlling;
The amplifier drives the tube
Steam drives the engines
This device drives the disks for the computer
Drive
Hunting: search for game;
Drive the forest
Drive
Hunting: chase from cover into more open ground;
Drive the game
Common Curiosities
How do I know if I have drive?
If you find yourself consistently motivated to achieve goals, overcoming obstacles along the way, it indicates a strong drive.
Is drive always positive?
While drive is often seen as a positive trait leading to achievement, unchecked drive can lead to negative outcomes like burnout or unethical behavior.
How can I increase my drive?
Focusing on your goals, understanding your motivations, and creating a supportive environment can help increase drive.
Can desire turn into drive?
Yes, desire can evolve into drive if it becomes focused on achieving specific goals, especially when paired with motivation and action.
Can a lack of desire affect drive?
A temporary lack of desire might not significantly affect drive, as drive is rooted in long-term goals and motivation. However, prolonged disinterest could dampen drive.
Are desire and drive related to happiness?
While fulfilling desires can bring temporary happiness, a strong drive towards meaningful goals is often linked to long-term satisfaction and fulfillment.
How does culture affect desire and drive?
Cultural values and societal expectations can significantly shape what individuals desire and how driven they are to achieve certain goals.
Can drive be harmful?
When not balanced with other aspects of life, an excessive drive can lead to stress, relationship issues, and health problems.
Is drive genetic or learned?
Drive is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions, including upbringing and experiences.
Can someone be driven in one area but not another?
Yes, it's common for individuals to exhibit strong drive in certain areas of their life while showing less motivation in others.
Is motivation the same as drive?
Motivation can be seen as a component of drive; drive encompasses the persistent and focused application of motivation towards goals.
How do desires change over time?
Desires can change based on life experiences, age, personal growth, and changing circumstances.
Does everyone have a drive?
While the intensity and focus of drive can vary greatly among individuals, most people experience drive in some form, influenced by their goals and values.
What role does self-discipline play in drive?
Self-discipline is crucial for maintaining drive, as it helps sustain effort towards goals despite challenges or distractions.
How can I differentiate between a desire and a drive?
If your interest in something is based on a deep, consistent commitment to achieve a goal, it's drive. If it's a longing or craving without a commitment to action, it's desire.
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Maham Liaqat
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
