Fantasy vs. Wish — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Fantasy involves imagining creative and often unrealistic scenarios, while a wish is a desire or hope for something to happen, grounded in reality.
Difference Between Fantasy and Wish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fantasy typically involves elaborate and imaginative scenarios, often created for entertainment or as a mental escape. On the other hand, a wish is usually a simpler, more direct desire for something that the individual hopes will come true, often rooted in real-life aspirations.
In literature, fantasy refers to a genre that includes magical or supernatural elements that do not exist in the real world. Whereas, a wish in literary contexts often represents a character's personal hope or goal, driving the narrative forward without requiring fantastical elements.
Children often engage in fantasies, creating detailed imaginary worlds or adventures. Whereas, their wishes tend to be more straightforward and can include things like wanting a new toy or hoping for a friend to come over.
Fantasy can serve as a form of coping mechanism, allowing individuals to explore complex emotions in a safe, imaginative space. On the other hand, making a wish often involves a moment of optimism or longing, reflecting a person's desires and sometimes vulnerabilities.
Artists and creators use fantasy to challenge the boundaries of reality, creating new worlds and experiences. In contrast, wishes are commonly expressed in personal moments, such as blowing out birthday candles or seeing a shooting star, emphasizing personal desires.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The faculty of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.
A desire or hope for something to happen.
Context
Often used in storytelling, arts, and as mental escapism.
Common in personal thoughts and expressions.
Realism
Generally lacks realistic elements, embracing the supernatural or magical.
Typically grounded in reality, although it can be unrealistic.
Emotional Connection
Can provide a deep emotional or therapeutic escape.
Directly tied to personal hopes and desires.
Typical Expression
Through creative mediums such as books, movies, and games.
Expressed in personal moments or traditions, like making a wish on a star.
Compare with Definitions
Fantasy
Fantasy involves creating an imaginative and often impossible scenario.
She lost herself in a fantasy world where dragons ruled the skies.
Wish
A wish expresses a hope or desire for something specific.
He made a silent wish for his family’s health and happiness.
Fantasy
Fantasy films often feature advanced special effects to create otherworldly experiences.
The movie used stunning visuals to bring the fantasy of an underwater city to life.
Wish
People often make wishes based on personal or emotional needs.
Her birthday wish was to visit her grandparents in Hawaii.
Fantasy
Children’s fantasy stories are filled with whimsical characters and magical adventures.
The children’s book depicted a fantasy journey through enchanted forests.
Wish
Making a wish is a popular tradition in many cultures, often involving rituals.
She made a wish and threw a coin into the fountain.
Fantasy
Fantasy art typically depicts mythical creatures and fantastical landscapes.
Her gallery displayed fantasy paintings of elves and fairies in mystical settings.
Wish
Wishes can be seen as prayers or requests to the universe.
He sent a wish out to the universe, hoping for peace and understanding.
Fantasy
In fantasy literature, worlds often exist where magic is commonplace.
His favorite book featured a fantasy realm accessible only through a hidden door.
Wish
Children frequently make wishes on stars or other symbolic objects.
The little boy wished on the first star he saw that evening.
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction set in a fictional universe, often inspired by real world myth and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy literature and drama.
Wish
A wish is a hope or desire for something. In fiction, wishes can be used as plot devices.
Fantasy
The faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things
His researches had moved into the realms of fantasy
A fantasy world
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
Fantasy
A fantasia.
Wish
Want to do something
They wish to become involved
Fantasy
Imagine the occurrence of; fantasize about
It is ludicrous to fantasy ‘disinventing’ the hydrogen bomb
Wish
Hope that (someone) has to deal with someone or something undesirable
He wouldn't wish Arthur on anyone
Fantasy
The creative imagination; unrestrained fancy.
Wish
A desire or hope for something to happen
The union has reiterated its wish for an agreement
Her wish to be a mother
Fantasy
Something, such as an invention, that is a creation of the fancy.
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.
Fantasy
A capricious or fantastic idea; a conceit.
Wish
An expression of a desire, longing, or strong inclination
Carried out the wishes included in the will.
Fantasy
A genre of fiction or other artistic work characterized by fanciful or supernatural elements.
Wish
An expression of desire for the happiness or success of another
Sent me his best wishes.
Fantasy
A work of this genre.
Wish
Something desired or longed for
Finally got his wish to see the ocean.
Fantasy
An imagined event or sequence of mental images, such as a daydream, usually fulfilling a wish or psychological need.
Wish
To long for; want.
Fantasy
An unrealistic or improbable supposition.
Wish
To feel or express a desire for
I wish them good luck. He wished her good night.
Fantasy
(Music) See fantasia.
Wish
To order, entreat, or request
I wish you to go. I wish it to be known that I disagree.
Fantasy
A coin issued especially by a questionable authority and not intended for use as currency.
Wish
To desire (something bad) to happen to someone
I would not wish such an illness on anyone.
Fantasy
(Obsolete) A hallucination.
Wish
To have or feel a desire
Wish for a successful outcome.
Fantasy
Relating to or being a game in which participants act as owners of imaginary sports teams whose personnel consists of actual players selected from a professional sports league and team performance is determined by the combined statistics of the players.
Wish
To express a wish.
Fantasy
To imagine; visualize.
Wish
A desire, hope, or longing for something or for something to happen.
Have a wish
Make someone's wish come true
Fantasy
That which comes from one's imagination.
Wish
An expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and supernatural power.
Make a wish
Fantasy
(literature) The literary genre generally dealing with themes of magic and the supernatural, imaginary worlds and creatures, etc.
Wish
The thing desired or longed for.
My dearest wish is to see them happily married.
Fantasy
A fantastical design.
Wish
(transitive) To desire; to want.
I'll come tomorrow, if you wish it.
Fantasy
(slang) The drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.
Wish
To hope (+ object clause with may or in present subjunctive).
Fantasy
To fantasize (about).
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.
Fantasy
(obsolete) To have a fancy for; to be pleased with; to like.
Wish
(ditransitive) To bestow (a thought or gesture) towards (someone or something).
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
Fantasy
(transitive) To imagine; to conceive mentally.
Wish
To request or desire to do an activity.
Fantasy
Fancy; imagination; especially, a whimsical or fanciful conception; a vagary of the imagination; whim; caprice; humor.
Is not this something more than fantasy ?
A thousand fantasiesBegin to throng into my memory.
Wish
(transitive) To recommend; to seek confidence or favour on behalf of.
Fantasy
Fantastic designs.
Embroidered with fantasies and flourishes of gold thread.
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.
Fantasy
To have a fancy for; to be pleased with; to like; to fancy.
Which he doth most fantasy.
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.
Fantasy
Imagination unrestricted by reality;
A schoolgirl fantasy
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.
Fantasy
Fiction with a large amount of fantasy in it;
She made a lot of money writing romantic fantasies
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.
Fantasy
Something many people believe that is false;
They have the illusion that I am very wealthy
Wish
Desire; eager desire; longing.
Behold, I am according to thy wish in God a stead.
Wish
Expression of desire; request; petition; hence, invocation or imprecation.
Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish.
Wish
A thing desired; an object of desire.
Will he, wise, let loose at once his ire . . . To give his enemies their wish!
Wish
A specific feeling of desire;
He got his wish
He was above all wishing and desire
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
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
Common Curiosities
How do children's understandings of fantasies and wishes differ?
Children often see fantasies as playful and imaginative exercises, while they view wishes as serious hopes or desires that they genuinely want to come true.
Do wishes always reflect a person's real desires?
Wishes generally reflect genuine desires, although they can sometimes be influenced by external factors like societal expectations or peer pressure.
How do different cultures perceive fantasies and wishes?
Cultural perceptions can vary significantly; some cultures may emphasize the importance of realistic aspirations (wishes), while others might encourage imaginative thinking (fantasies).
Are there psychological benefits to engaging in fantasies?
Engaging in fantasies can provide psychological relief, boost creativity, and serve as a safe exploration of desires or scenarios that are impossible in real life.
Can a fantasy ever become a wish?
Yes, elements of a fantasy can transform into a wish if the individual desires for those fantastical elements to become reality.
What role do fantasies and wishes play in goal setting?
Fantasies can inspire creative goals and motivate individuals to achieve what seems impossible, whereas wishes can set more realistic, immediate objectives.
Can fantasies be harmful?
While fantasies are generally harmless, excessive or escapist fantasy engagement can sometimes lead to neglect of real-life responsibilities or relationships.
How are fantasies used in therapy?
In therapeutic settings, fantasies can be tools for exploring unconscious desires and conflicts, offering insights into a patient's psyche.
How do fantasy and wish relate to happiness?
Fantasies can provide temporary joy through escapism, while the fulfillment of a wish can lead to long-term satisfaction and happiness.
What is the social function of making wishes?
Making wishes can be a social act that strengthens bonds, such as when families or friends participate in wish-making traditions together.
Is there a specific time or place associated with fantasies or wishes?
Fantasies can occur anytime as they are internal and boundless. Wishes are often associated with specific rituals or moments, like seeing a shooting star or blowing out birthday candles.
Can fantasies affect one's perception of reality?
If not balanced with a realistic perspective, intense or frequent fantasies might skew an individual’s perception of what is achievable or real.
How do fantasies and wishes impact decision-making?
Fantasies can inspire innovative thinking and bold decisions, while wishes might guide decisions toward desired and hoped-for outcomes.
How do authors use fantasy and wish differently in storytelling?
Authors use fantasy to build entire worlds with unique rules, whereas wishes in stories are often used as pivotal points that drive the plot or character development.
What are some common symbols associated with wishes in popular culture?
Common symbols include falling stars, wishbones, dandelions, and coins thrown into a fountain.
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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.
