Want vs. Wish

Attribute	Want	Wish
Definition	Desire or wish for something	Strong desire or longing for something
Intensity	Can vary from mild to strong	Usually strong
Emotion	Can be accompanied by various emotions	Often associated with a sense of longing or yearning
Specificity	Can be specific or general	Often specific
Attainability	May or may not be attainable	May or may not be attainable
Importance	Can be of varying importance	Can be of varying importance
Duration	Can be short-term or long-term	Can be short-term or long-term
Expression	Can be expressed verbally or non-verbally	Can be expressed verbally or non-verbally

Introduction

Want and wish are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications. While both words express desires or aspirations, they differ in terms of intensity, feasibility, and emotional attachment. In this article, we will explore the attributes of want and wish, highlighting their differences and providing examples to illustrate their usage.

Definition and Usage of Want

Want is a verb that signifies a strong desire or a need for something. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity. When we want something, we feel a compelling drive to obtain it. Wants are often associated with tangible objects, experiences, or specific outcomes. For example, a person may want a new car, want to travel the world, or want to achieve a certain career goal.

Want is also used to express preferences or choices. It can indicate a personal inclination towards a particular option or course of action. For instance, someone might say, "I want to eat pizza for dinner" or "I want to watch a movie tonight."

Furthermore, want can be used to convey a lack or deficiency. When we say, "I want for nothing," it means we lack nothing or have all our needs fulfilled. On the other hand, saying "I want for food" implies a scarcity or need for sustenance.

Definition and Usage of Wish

Wish, on the other hand, is a verb that expresses a desire or hope for something that may be difficult or impossible to attain. It often relates to intangible or abstract concepts, such as dreams, aspirations, or ideal situations. Wishes are often associated with emotions and imagination. For example, we might wish for world peace, wish for good health, or wish for a successful outcome in a challenging situation.

Wish can also be used to express regret or longing for something that is unattainable or has already passed. When we say, "I wish I had studied harder," it implies a sense of remorse or a desire to change the past. Similarly, saying "I wish you were here" conveys a longing for someone's presence who is currently absent.

Unlike wants, wishes are often seen as less realistic or achievable. They are more closely associated with daydreaming or fantasizing about ideal scenarios rather than actively pursuing them.

Intensity and Emotional Attachment

One of the key differences between wants and wishes lies in their intensity and emotional attachment. Wants are typically stronger and more urgent desires. They are often driven by a sense of necessity or a perceived need. Wants can evoke strong emotions and a sense of determination to fulfill them. For example, someone who wants to start their own business may feel a burning passion and dedication towards achieving that goal.

On the other hand, wishes are often more gentle and detached desires. They are associated with a sense of longing or hope, but without the same level of emotional intensity as wants. Wishes can be seen as more passive desires, often accompanied by a sense of acceptance if they are not fulfilled. For instance, someone may wish for a promotion at work, but they may not be actively taking steps to make it happen.

Feasibility and Actionability

Another important aspect to consider when comparing wants and wishes is their feasibility and actionability. Wants are generally more practical and actionable desires. They often involve specific steps or plans to achieve them. Wants are often within our control and can be pursued actively. For example, if someone wants to learn a new language, they can enroll in classes, practice regularly, and work towards fluency.

On the contrary, wishes are often seen as less feasible or actionable. They may involve external factors or circumstances beyond our control. Wishes are often associated with outcomes that are dependent on luck, chance, or the actions of others. While we can express our wishes, we may not have direct influence over their realization. For instance, someone may wish to win the lottery, but they cannot actively make it happen.

Examples of Want and Wish

To further illustrate the differences between want and wish, let's consider some examples:

Want Examples

• I want to buy a new house.
• She wants to become a successful author.
• We want to travel to Europe next summer.
• He wants to improve his fitness level.
• They want to start a family.

Wish Examples

• I wish I could fly like a bird.
• She wishes for good luck in her upcoming exam.
• We wish for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• He wishes he had more time to spend with his loved ones.
• They wish they could turn back time and correct their mistakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while want and wish both express desires or aspirations, they differ in terms of intensity, feasibility, and emotional attachment. Want signifies a strong desire or need for something, often associated with tangible objects or specific outcomes. It is more urgent, actionable, and emotionally charged. On the other hand, wish expresses a desire or hope for something that may be difficult or impossible to attain. It is often associated with intangible concepts, emotions, and imagination. Wishes are less intense, less actionable, and often seen as less realistic. Understanding the distinctions between want and wish can help us communicate our desires more accurately and effectively.