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To Desire vs. To Wish

What's the Difference?

To Desire and To Wish are both verbs that express a strong feeling of wanting something. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Desire implies a more intense longing or craving for something, while wish suggests a more passive or hopeful desire for something to happen. Both words convey a sense of yearning or aspiration, but desire tends to be more urgent and intense, while wish is often more wistful or dream-like. Ultimately, both words reflect the human experience of wanting and striving for something beyond our current reality.

Comparison

AttributeTo DesireTo Wish
DefinitionStrong feeling of wanting somethingStrong feeling of wanting something to happen or be true
IntensityUsually stronger than a wishCan be less intense than a desire
EmotionOften associated with passion or longingCan be more passive or hopeful
ActionMay lead to active pursuit of the desired objectMay involve more passive hoping or dreaming

Further Detail

Definition

Desire and wish are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. To desire something is to have a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something to happen. It is a strong feeling of wanting something that you do not have. On the other hand, to wish for something is to express a desire or hope for something to happen or be true. It is more of a hopeful longing for something to come to fruition.

Intensity

Desire is often associated with a stronger and more intense feeling than wish. When you desire something, it is something that you crave deeply and feel a strong emotional attachment to. It is a feeling that can consume you and drive you to take action to fulfill that desire. On the other hand, a wish is usually a more passive feeling, a hope or longing for something to happen without the same level of intensity as desire.

Emotion

Desire is often linked to emotions such as passion, longing, and yearning. It is a feeling that can be all-consuming and overwhelming. When you desire something, it can evoke strong emotions and drive you to pursue that desire with determination. Wishing, on the other hand, is more about expressing a hope or desire without the same level of emotional intensity. It is a more subdued feeling that may not evoke the same strong emotions as desire.

Action

Desire is often accompanied by action. When you desire something, you are more likely to take steps to achieve that desire. You may be willing to make sacrifices, put in effort, and take risks to fulfill your desire. Desire can be a powerful motivator that drives you to pursue your goals and dreams. Wishing, on the other hand, may not always lead to action. While you may express a wish for something to happen, you may not necessarily take concrete steps to make that wish a reality.

Attainability

Desire is often associated with goals or objects that are within reach or achievable. When you desire something, it is usually something that you believe you can attain with effort and determination. Desire can drive you to work towards achieving your goals and making your dreams a reality. Wishing, on the other hand, may be more about things that are out of your control or unlikely to happen. A wish may be more of a fantasy or a hope for something that may not be attainable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, desire and wish are two words that have distinct meanings and implications. Desire is often associated with a strong feeling of wanting or craving something, accompanied by action and emotional intensity. Wishing, on the other hand, is more about expressing a hope or desire for something to happen without the same level of intensity or action. Both desire and wish play a role in our lives, shaping our goals, dreams, and aspirations.

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