Wanting vs. Wishing for

Attribute	Wanting	Wishing for
Definition	Desire or longing for something	Expressing a desire or hope for something to happen
Intensity	Can be strong or mild	Can be strong or mild
Action	May involve taking steps to fulfill the desire	May involve simply expressing the desire
Emotion	Can evoke feelings of longing or yearning	Can evoke feelings of hope or anticipation

Definition

Wanting and wishing are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Wanting refers to a strong desire or craving for something, while wishing is more about expressing a hope or desire for something to happen. Wanting is usually associated with a specific goal or object, while wishing can be more general or abstract.

Emotional Aspect

Wanting is often driven by a sense of urgency or need, while wishing is more about longing or yearning. Wanting can be a powerful motivator, pushing us to take action to achieve our goals. On the other hand, wishing can sometimes feel passive or resigned, as if we are simply hoping for something to happen without actively working towards it.

Intensity

Wanting tends to be more intense than wishing. When we want something, we may feel a sense of urgency or desperation to obtain it. This can lead to strong emotions such as frustration or disappointment if we are unable to fulfill our desires. Wishing, on the other hand, is often more gentle and hopeful, without the same level of intensity or attachment.

Action vs. Inaction

Wanting is often associated with taking action to achieve our desires. When we want something, we are more likely to actively pursue it and make efforts to bring it into our lives. Wishing, on the other hand, can sometimes lead to inaction. We may simply express our desires without taking any concrete steps towards making them a reality.

Realism

Wanting is often grounded in reality, as it is usually focused on tangible goals or objects that we believe are attainable. We may want a new car, a promotion at work, or a successful relationship. Wishing, on the other hand, can sometimes be more fantastical or unrealistic. We may wish for things that are unlikely to happen, such as winning the lottery or becoming a famous celebrity.

Impact on Behavior

Wanting can have a direct impact on our behavior, motivating us to work hard and make sacrifices in order to achieve our goals. When we want something badly enough, we are willing to put in the effort and make changes in our lives to make it happen. Wishing, on the other hand, may not always lead to action. We may simply express our desires without taking any real steps towards making them a reality.

Longing vs. Desire

Wanting is often associated with a strong desire for something specific. We may want a new job, a new house, or a new relationship. This desire is often fueled by a sense of lack or dissatisfaction with our current situation. Wishing, on the other hand, is more about longing for something that may be out of reach. We may wish for world peace, for example, or for a loved one to recover from a serious illness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wanting and wishing are two related but distinct concepts. Wanting is often driven by a strong desire for something specific, leading to action and motivation to achieve our goals. Wishing, on the other hand, is more about expressing hopes and desires for things that may be out of our control. Both wanting and wishing play important roles in our lives, shaping our goals, motivations, and emotions.