Desire vs. Intention — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Desire represents a person's want or wish, often emotional, whereas intention involves a planned or purposeful aim, usually implying a commitment to action.
Difference Between Desire and Intention
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire is primarily an emotional and personal feeling of wanting something, which can be tangible or intangible. Whereas intention is a cognitive decision to act towards achieving a specific outcome.
Desires can be spontaneous and vary in intensity, driven by feelings and personal gratifications. On the other hand, intentions are usually the result of deliberation, reflecting a commitment to achieving set goals.
While desires may not necessarily lead to actions, intentions are closely linked to planning and executing actions.
Whereas desires can exist without any practical steps being taken, intentions involve the steps one intends to take to achieve a desired outcome.
Desires are often about 'wanting' whereas intentions are about 'planning'; a subtle yet significant difference that affects how individuals approach personal goals and decisions.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Emotional, may lack a concrete plan.
Rational, involves a clear plan or purpose.
Focus
On what is wanted or wished.
On the means to achieve what is desired.
Action
May not lead directly to action.
Implies steps to be taken; action-oriented.
Origin
Can be spontaneous or influenced by emotions.
Results from decision-making and reasoning.
Outcome
Not necessarily linked to achieving outcomes.
Aimed at achieving specific outcomes.
Compare with Definitions
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
His desire to travel the world grew stronger each day.
Intention
A mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future.
She set the intention to finish her degree within three years.
Desire
An emotional inclination towards a particular object, person, or outcome.
Her desire for independence shaped her career choices.
Intention
A purposeful or deliberate decision to achieve a goal.
He announced his intention to run for office next term.
Desire
A longing or yearning for something.
There was a profound desire in her heart to see her family reunited.
Intention
An aim or plan of action towards achieving a specific result.
His intention to start a business was clear and well-planned.
Desire
An urge or need driven by emotional factors.
The desire to be understood was evident in his speech.
Intention
The determination to act in a certain way.
Her intention to help the less fortunate was commendable.
Desire
A wish or craving, especially one that is hard to give up.
He had a strong desire for success in his new venture.
Intention
An anticipated outcome that guides planned actions.
The project was created with the intention of increasing literacy rates.
Desire
Desires are states of mind that are expressed by terms like "wanting", "wishing", "longing" or "craving". A great variety of features is commonly associated with desires.
Intention
Intention is a mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. Intention involves mental activities such as planning and forethought.
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Intention
A thing intended; an aim or plan
He announced his intention to stand for re-election
She was full of good intentions
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Intention
The healing process of a wound.
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Intention
Conceptions formed by directing the mind towards an object.
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Intention
The action or fact of intending
Are computers capable of intention?.
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Intention
An aim that guides action; an objective
My intention is to learn Russian.
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Intention
Intentions Purpose with respect to marriage
She worried that his intentions were not honorable.
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Intention
(Medicine) The process by which or the manner in which a wound heals.
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Intention
(Archaic) Import; meaning.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Intention
A course of action that a person intends to follow.
My intention was to marry a wealthy widow.
It’s easy to promise anything when you have no intention of fulfilling any of it.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Intention
The goal or purpose.
The intention of this legislation is to boost the economy.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Intention
(obsolete) Tension; straining, stretching.
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object or a purpose (an intent); closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Intention
(obsolete) The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Intention
(obsolete) Any mental apprehension of an object.
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Intention
(medicine) The process of the healing of a wound.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord?
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more.
Intention
To intend.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Intention
A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Intention
A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York.
Hell is paved with good intentions.
Desire
The natural longing that is excited by the enjoyment or the thought of any good, and impels to action or effort its continuance or possession; an eager wish to obtain or enjoy.
Unspeakable desire to see and know.
Intention
The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Intention
The state of being strained. See Intension.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Intention
Any mental apprehension of an object.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Intention
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Desire
Grief; regret.
Intention
(usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal;
His intentions are entirely honorable
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Intention
An act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out;
My intention changed once I saw her
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Desire
Something that is desired
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Desire
Express a desire for
Common Curiosities
What differentiates desire from intention?
Desire is an emotional want or wish, while intention is a reasoned decision involving a commitment to action.
Is it possible to have an intention without desire?
Yes, one can have intentions based on duty or necessity without a strong personal desire.
Why might intentions fail to achieve desired outcomes?
Failures can occur due to unrealistic planning, insufficient resources, or unforeseen obstacles.
What role do intentions play in ethical decision-making?
Intentions are crucial in ethical decision-making as they reflect the deliberate choice to act according to moral principles.
How can one align desires and intentions?
Aligning desires and intentions involves conscious reflection and planning to ensure that emotional wants support long-term goals.
How do intentions lead to goal achievement?
Intentions facilitate goal achievement by guiding planning and action towards specific outcomes.
Are desires always conscious?
Desires can be both conscious and subconscious, often driven by deeper emotional needs.
How do desires influence decision-making?
Desires can strongly influence decision-making by motivating individuals to pursue what they emotionally value.
What psychological theories address desires and intentions?
Theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs address desires, while theories of planned behavior focus on intentions.
Can desires evolve into intentions?
Yes, when a desire is coupled with a concrete plan and commitment, it can evolve into an intention.
What is the role of desire in motivation?
Desire plays a key role in motivation by providing the emotional drive to pursue goals.
How are intentions communicated?
Intentions are often communicated through explicit statements of plans or goals to others.
How does one strengthen their intentions?
Strengthening intentions can involve clear goal-setting, planning, and reinforcement of the commitment to the desired outcome.
Can intentions change over time?
Yes, intentions can change as circumstances or insights evolve.
Are intentions more reliable predictors of behavior than desires?
Yes, intentions, being linked to planned actions, are generally more reliable predictors of behavior than desires.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
