Desire vs. Passion — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
Desire is a feeling of wanting something or someone, often without a deep emotional connection; passion, however, involves intense emotions and a strong commitment to a particular activity, idea, or person.
Difference Between Desire and Passion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire typically indicates a sense of longing or craving, often for something that brings pleasure or fulfillment. On the other hand, passion is more about a deep, overwhelming feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or someone. This depth often translates into a sustained commitment or dedication.
Desire can be fleeting or superficial, focusing on immediate satisfaction or short-term goals. Whereas passion is characterized by persistence and perseverance, pushing individuals to pursue long-term objectives and overcome challenges.
Desire may not always lead to action, as it can exist as a mere wish or fantasy. Passion, however, compels individuals to engage actively and persistently in activities that are meaningful to them, often leading to substantial personal or professional achievements.
While desires can be numerous and varied, ranging from simple needs to complex aspirations, passion usually centers on fewer, often singular interests. This focused intensity is what drives people to dedicate significant time and energy to their passions.
Desire is often influenced by external factors and can be shaped by societal norms or expectations. In contrast, passion is more personal and intrinsic, originating from an individual's core interests and values.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A feeling of wanting
An intense, driving emotion
Duration
Often temporary and variable
Typically enduring and consistent
Intensity
Can be mild or strong
Usually profound and compelling
Outcome
May not lead to action
Often results in dedicated action
Source
External stimuli or internal needs
Deeply rooted personal interests or values
Compare with Definitions
Desire
A wish to possess or enjoy something.
His desire for success was evident in his hard work.
Passion
Strong and barely controllable emotion.
His passion for painting revealed itself in his colorful canvases.
Desire
The feeling of wanting to know or learn something.
She felt a strong desire to travel the world.
Passion
A strong love or affection.
They shared a passion that was visible to everyone around them.
Desire
A craving for something.
He had a sudden desire for a slice of pizza.
Passion
A powerful attraction or enthusiasm for something.
Her passion for classical music was infectious.
Desire
A longing for someone's presence or affection.
Her desire to see her family grew each day.
Passion
The intense desire or enthusiasm.
He spoke about his research with great passion.
Desire
A demand or request.
The committee expressed a desire for further details.
Passion
The object of someone’s love, desire, or enthusiasm.
Art was his first passion.
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.
Passion
Strong and barely controllable emotion
A man of impetuous passion
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Passion
Strong or powerful emotion
A crime of passion.
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Passion
A powerful emotion, such as anger or joy
A spirit governed by intense passions.
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Passion
The object of such desire or love
She became his passion.
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Passion
Boundless enthusiasm
His skills as a player don't quite match his passion for the game.
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Passion
The object of such enthusiasm
Soccer is her passion.
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Passion
An abandoned display of emotion, especially of anger
He's been known to fly into a passion without warning.
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Passion
The sufferings of Jesus in the period following the Last Supper and including the Crucifixion, as related in the New Testament.
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Passion
A narrative, musical setting, or pictorial representation of Jesus's sufferings.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Passion
Martyrdom
The passion of Saint Margaret.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Passion
A true desire sustained or prolonged.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Passion
Any great, strong, powerful emotion, especially romantic love or extreme hate.
We share a passion for books.
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Passion
Fervor, determination.
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Passion
An object of passionate or romantic love or strong romantic interest.
It started as a hobby, but now my motorbike collection has become my passion.
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Passion
The suffering of Jesus leading up to and during his crucifixion.
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Passion
A display, musical composition, or play meant to commemorate the suffering of Jesus.
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.
Passion
(obsolete) Suffering or enduring of imposed or inflicted pain; any suffering or distress.
A cardiac passion
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Passion
(obsolete) The state of being acted upon; subjection to an external agent or influence; a passive condition
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Passion
(obsolete) The capacity of being affected by external agents; susceptibility of impressions from external agents.
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.
Passion
(obsolete) An innate attribute, property, or quality of a thing.
[...] to obtain the knowledge of some passion of the circle.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Passion
(obsolete) Disorder of the mind; madness.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Passion
(obsolete) To suffer pain or sorrow; to experience a passion; to be extremely agitated.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Passion
(transitive) To give a passionate character to.
Desire
Grief; regret.
Passion
The state of being acted upon; subjection to an external agent or influence; a passive condition; - opposed to action.
A body at rest affords us no idea of any active power to move, and, when set in motion, it is rather a passion than an action in it.
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Passion
Capacity of being affected by external agents; susceptibility of impressions from external agents.
Moldable and not moldable, scissible and not scissible, and many other passions of matter.
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Passion
The state of the mind when it is powerfully acted upon and influenced by something external to itself; the state of any particular faculty which, under such conditions, becomes extremely sensitive or uncontrollably excited; any emotion or sentiment (specifically, love or anger) in a state of abnormal or controlling activity; an extreme or inordinate desire; also, the capacity or susceptibility of being so affected; as, to be in a passion; the passions of love, hate, jealously, wrath, ambition, avarice, fear, etc.; a passion for war, or for drink; an orator should have passion as well as rhetorical skill.
We also are men of like passions with you.
The nature of the human mind can not be sufficiently understood, without considering the affections and passions, or those modifications or actions of the mind consequent upon the apprehension of certain objects or events in which the mind generally conceives good or evil.
The term passion, and its adverb passionately, often express a very strong predilection for any pursuit, or object of taste - a kind of enthusiastic fondness for anything.
The bravery of his grief did put meInto a towering passion.
The ruling passion, be it what it will,The ruling passion conquers reason still.
Who walked in every path of human life,Felt every passion.
When statesmen are ruled by faction and interest, they can have no passion for the glory of their country.
Desire
Something that is desired
Passion
Disorder of the mind; madness.
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Passion
Passion week. See Passion week, below.
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Passion
To give a passionate character to.
Desire
Express a desire for
Passion
To suffer pain or sorrow; to experience a passion; to be extremely agitated.
Passion
Strong feeling or emotion
Passion
Intense passion or emotion
Passion
Something that is desired intensely;
His rage for fame destroyed him
Passion
An irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
Passion
Any object of warm affection or devotion;
The theater was her first love
He has a passion for cock fighting
Passion
The suffering of Jesus at the crucifixion
Common Curiosities
Can a desire become a passion?
Yes, if a desire is pursued with intense emotion and dedication, it can evolve into a passion.
Do desires need to be controlled?
Yes, controlling desires is often necessary to maintain focus and achieve long-term goals.
What is the main difference between desire and passion?
Desire is a longing for something, often superficial, while passion is a deep, enduring emotion that drives substantial engagement.
What role does society play in shaping our desires?
Society significantly influences desires through cultural norms, advertising, and media, impacting what individuals feel they want or need.
Is passion always positive?
Mostly, but unchecked passion can sometimes lead to negative consequences if not balanced with other aspects of life.
How can one identify their true passion?
Identifying a true passion typically involves self-exploration and noticing what consistently excites and motivates one to take action.
Can people have multiple passions?
Yes, it's possible for individuals to have multiple passions, each driving them in different areas of their lives.
How can passion impact a person’s career?
Passion can lead to greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, and potentially more success as it often leads to proactive and persistent efforts.
Is passion necessary for creativity?
While not necessary, passion can greatly enhance creativity by driving one to explore and express deeply felt ideas.
How does passion affect one's overall well-being?
Passion can enhance well-being by providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it must be balanced with other life areas to avoid burnout.
Can desires be negative?
Desires can be negative if they lead to unhealthy or harmful behaviors or if they become obsessions.
What is the role of passion in relationships?
Passion can strengthen relationships by fostering a deep, emotional connection and commitment between individuals.
What can be done to cultivate passion?
Cultivating passion involves exploring interests deeply, committing time and resources, and continuously nurturing and reevaluating one's engagement.
Can passion fade over time?
Yes, passion can fade or shift depending on life circumstances, personal growth, and new interests.
How do desires influence decision-making?
Desires can guide decision-making by highlighting what one prefers or seeks to achieve, but they should be balanced with rational thought.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
