Desire vs. Wish — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
Desire is a strong feeling of wanting something or someone, while a wish is a hope or expression of a particular outcome or situation.
Difference Between Desire and Wish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire and wish, while related, signify different levels of wanting.
Desire implies a strong inclination or craving towards something or someone. In contrast, a wish represents a more passive hope for a specific outcome or circumstance.
The intensity and commitment levels between desire and wish vary.
While desire often suggests a deeper emotional or physical pull, wish tends to be a lighter, fleeting sentiment, expressing a hopeful thought more than an active pursuit.
From a grammatical perspective, the usage of desire and wish varies.
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Desire is often used as a noun indicating a yearning or craving, and less frequently as a verb. Wish, on the other hand, is commonly used both as a noun to denote a hopeful sentiment and as a verb to express wanting something to be true.
In the realm of emotions and feelings, desire carries weight.
It often implies a need or an urge strong enough to drive action. Conversely, wish remains in the territory of thoughts, where one hopes for something but might not actively work towards it.
In literature and art, the nuances of desire and wish are evident.
Desire frequently embodies passion, intensity, and yearning. In contrast, a wish is portrayed as a dreamy sentiment, sometimes even magical, like a wish upon a star.
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Strong inclination or craving
Hopeful sentiment
Action-Oriented
Often drives action
Less likely to drive action
Common Usage
Both noun (more common) and verb
Commonly used as both noun and verb
Emotional Weight
Carries deeper emotional weight
Lighter, dreamier sentiment
Relation to Achievement
Closer to actual pursuit or attainment
More distant, often remains as a thought
Compare with Definitions
Desire
An ambition or aspiration.
She had a desire to travel the world.
Wish
A hope for a specific outcome.
My wish is for you to be happy.
Desire
An urge driving action.
The desire to succeed pushed her through challenges.
Wish
A magical or dreamy sentiment.
Make a wish upon a shooting star.
Desire
A longing for something specific.
The child had a desire for the toy in the window.
Wish
A polite request or command.
I wish you'd listen to me.
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.
Wish
A fleeting yearning.
He had a wish to see the ocean one more time.
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Wish
A wish is a hope or desire for something. In fiction, wishes can be used as plot devices.
Desire
To want to have sex with (another person).
Wish
Feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that cannot or probably will not happen
He wished that he had practised the routines
We wished for peace
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Wish
Want to do something
They wish to become involved
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Wish
Hope that (someone) has to deal with someone or something undesirable
He wouldn't wish Arthur on anyone
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Wish
A desire or hope for something to happen
The union has reiterated its wish for an agreement
Her wish to be a mother
Desire
Sexual appetite; passion.
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.
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Wish
An expression of a desire, longing, or strong inclination
Carried out the wishes included in the will.
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Wish
An expression of desire for the happiness or success of another
Sent me his best wishes.
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Wish
Something desired or longed for
Finally got his wish to see the ocean.
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Wish
To long for; want.
Desire
To want emotionally or sexually.
She has desired him since they first met.
Wish
To feel or express a desire for
I wish them good luck. He wished her good night.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Wish
To order, entreat, or request
I wish you to go. I wish it to be known that I disagree.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Wish
To desire (something bad) to happen to someone
I would not wish such an illness on anyone.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Wish
To have or feel a desire
Wish for a successful outcome.
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Wish
To express a wish.
Desire
(uncountable) Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.
His desire for her kept him awake at night.
Wish
A desire, hope, or longing for something or for something to happen.
Have a wish
Make someone's wish come true
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Wish
An expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and supernatural power.
Make a wish
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Wish
The thing desired or longed for.
My dearest wish is to see them happily married.
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Wish
(Sussex) A water meadow.
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.
Wish
(transitive) To desire; to want.
I'll come tomorrow, if you wish it.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Wish
To hope (+ object clause with may or in present subjunctive).
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
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.
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.
Wish
(ditransitive) To bestow (a thought or gesture) towards (someone or something).
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Wish
To request or desire to do an activity.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Wish
(transitive) To recommend; to seek confidence or favour on behalf of.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
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.
Desire
Grief; regret.
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.
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
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.
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
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.
Desire
Something that is desired
Wish
Desire; eager desire; longing.
Behold, I am according to thy wish in God a stead.
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Wish
Expression of desire; request; petition; hence, invocation or imprecation.
Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish.
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Wish
A thing desired; an object of desire.
Will he, wise, let loose at once his ire . . . To give his enemies their wish!
Desire
Express a desire for
Wish
A specific feeling of desire;
He got his wish
He was above all wishing and desire
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting.
His desire for knowledge was insatiable.
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
Desire
A passionate craving.
There was an undeniable desire between them.
Wish
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare;
Give him my kind regards
My best wishes
Wish
The particular preference that you have;
It was his last wish
They should respect the wishes of the people
Wish
Hope for; have a wish;
I wish I could go home now
Wish
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Wish
Have in mind;
I will take the exam tomorrow
Wish
Make or express a wish;
I wish that Christmas were over
Wish
Feel or express a desire or hope concerning the future or fortune of
Wish
Order politely; express a wish for
Wish
Invoke upon;
Wish you a nice evening
Bid farewell
Wish
An expression of a desired situation.
I wish I could turn back time.
Common Curiosities
Can a wish become a desire?
Yes, if a wish intensifies and one feels compelled to act on it, it can transform into a desire.
How is desire different from wish?
Desire indicates a strong craving or inclination, while a wish is a more passive, hopeful sentiment.
Can one have multiple desires and wishes at once?
Absolutely, it's common for individuals to have multiple desires and wishes simultaneously.
Is it harmful to have too many desires?
Excessive or uncontrolled desires can lead to dissatisfaction or negative behaviors, so moderation and reflection are essential.
Can a wish be actionable?
While wishes are generally passive, if one feels strongly about a wish, it can drive them to take action.
How are wish and desire used in literature?
In literature, desire often signifies deep yearning or passion, while a wish might represent a dreamy, sometimes magical sentiment.
Why is the term "make a wish" popular?
"Make a wish" is tied to traditions and superstitions of hoping for a desired outcome, like blowing out birthday candles.
Is desire always linked to passion?
While desire often carries an element of passion, it can also relate to other strong inclinations or needs.
How can one differentiate between a desire and a need?
A need is essential for survival or well-being, while a desire is a strong want that one can live without.
Can desires change over time?
Yes, as individuals grow and their circumstances change, their desires can evolve.
How is the concept of a "death wish" understood?
A "death wish" refers to a self-destructive desire or behavior, not necessarily a literal wish for death.
How does culture influence desire and wish?
Cultural norms, values, and societal expectations can shape what people desire and wish for.
How does language express wish in hypothetical situations?
In English, "wish" is often paired with "would" or "could" to express hypothetical desires, e.g., "I wish you would stay."
Is there a physiological basis for desire?
Yes, desires can be influenced by brain chemicals, hormones, and other physiological factors.
Can one control their wishes and desires?
While natural feelings might arise, self-awareness and reflection can help manage and channel wishes and desires positively.
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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.
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.
