“Desire” is a noun and a verb that generally refers to a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. Here's an analysis of its synonyms:
As a Noun
- Wish
- Meaning: A desire or hope for something that may or may not be attainable. For example, “Her wish to travel the world was well - known among her friends.”
- Difference from “desire”: A “wish” often has a more wistful or perhaps even a slightly unrealistic connotation. It can imply a longing for something that might be a bit out of reach, like a childhood dream or a far - fetched aspiration. “Desire” is a stronger and more forceful feeling of wanting.
- Longing
- Meaning: A deep, yearning feeling of wanting something. For example, “He had a longing for his hometown after years of being away.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Longing” emphasizes the emotional depth and the sense of yearning. It's a more poignant and often sentimental form of desire. It can suggest a feeling that has been building over time and might be accompanied by a sense of nostalgia or melancholy.
- Craving
- Meaning: An intense and often sudden or urgent desire, usually for something specific like a particular food or a substance. For example, “She had a craving for chocolate ice - cream.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Craving” is more about an intense, almost physical urge for something. It's often used in the context of food, addictions, or strong physical appetites. “Desire” is a broader term that can cover both physical and non - physical wants.
- Aspiration
- Meaning: A strong desire to achieve something great or important, often related to goals, career, or personal growth. For example, “His aspiration was to become a famous scientist.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Aspiration” is more focused on lofty goals and ambitions. It implies a positive and forward - looking desire, usually with an element of self - improvement or achievement. “Desire” can be for more immediate or less noble things as well.
As a Verb
- Want
- Meaning: To have a desire for; to wish for something. For example, “I want a new book to read.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Want” is a more common and straightforward verb. It's less formal than “desire” and is used in everyday language to express basic needs or wishes. “Desire” can sound more intense and perhaps a bit more refined or literary.
- Covet
- Meaning: To desire eagerly and often envy what someone else has. For example, “He coveted his neighbor's expensive car.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Covet” has a negative connotation of envy and an inordinate or perhaps even a greedy desire for something that belongs to others. “Desire” is a more neutral term and doesn't necessarily imply envy.
- Yearn
- Meaning: To have a strong, often emotional longing for something. For example, “She yearned for her mother's love and attention.”
- Difference from “desire”: “Yearn” is similar to “longing” as a noun. As a verb, it emphasizes the emotional and sometimes almost a desperate quality of the desire. It's a more passionate way of expressing a want compared to the more general “desire.”