Desire vs. Vision — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
Desire is a longing or craving for something. Vision is a mental image or concept of the future.
Difference Between Desire and Vision
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire is a strong feeling, worthy of want or longing, often oriented towards acquiring something or achieving a particular outcome. It is a fundamental aspect of human psychology and is driven by internal and external factors. Vision, on the other hand, pertains to the ability to envisage future developments or innovations, and it often refers to the mental picture or idea of what the future could or should be, typically associated with goals, aspirations, and the achievement of something greater.
Desire can be transient or enduring, focused on immediate or deferred gratification, and it may relate to tangible objects, experiences, or intangible outcomes, such as happiness or fulfillment. In contrast, vision is more about foreseeing and conceptualizing, often requiring imagination, foresight, and clarity of thought, to create a mental blueprint of what one hopes to achieve or accomplish, guiding planning and action.
While desire is a motivational state that can propel individuals towards obtaining what they want or crave, it may or may not be aligned with one’s long-term goals or values, and it may be fueled by needs, wants, or lacks. Vision is generally more strategic and purposeful, serving as a navigational beacon, illuminating the path towards realization of one’s aspirations, inspiring individuals or groups to overcome obstacles and persist in the face of challenges.
Desires can be multifaceted, ranging from basic physiological needs to complex psychological wants, and they can be influenced by individual preferences, societal norms, and cultural values. Visions, alternatively, are often transformative and transcendent, seeking to bring about positive change, innovation, and improvement, and they necessitate conviction, commitment, and effort to translate them from the realm of imagination to reality.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Emotional longing or craving.
Conceptual understanding or mental image of the future.
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Purpose
Motivates actions to acquire or achieve something.
Guides and inspires actions towards future goals.
Duration
Can be transient or enduring.
Typically enduring and long-term.
Focus
Acquisition or attainment.
Conceptualization and realization of future possibilities.
Outcome
Fulfillment or attainment of what is desired.
Achievement of envisioned goals or changes.
Compare with Definitions
Desire
A craving or longing for satisfaction or fulfillment.
She felt a deep desire to help those less fortunate.
Vision
A mental image or concept formed by the imagination.
The architect’s vision was brought to life in the building's innovative design.
Desire
An aspirational wish for attainment or accomplishment.
Her desire to succeed drove her to work hard every day.
Vision
An inspirational description of what an organization aspires to be.
The nonprofit’s vision focused on a world without poverty.
Desire
A powerful motivation arising from want or need.
The athlete's desire for victory pushed him beyond his limits.
Vision
A foresight or insight into future possibilities or developments.
Her vision of the industry's future included more sustainable practices.
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.
Vision
The faculty of sight; eyesight
Poor vision.
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Vision
Something that is or has been seen.
Desire
To want to have sex with (another person).
Vision
Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight
A leader of vision.
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Vision
The manner in which one sees or conceives of something.
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Vision
A mental image produced by the imagination.
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Vision
The mystical experience of seeing something that is not in fact present to the eye or is supernatural.
Desire
Sexual appetite; passion.
Vision
A person or thing of extraordinary beauty.
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Vision
To see in a vision.
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Vision
To picture in the mind; envision.
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Vision
(uncountable) The sense or ability of sight.
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Vision
(countable) Something seen; an object perceived visually.
Desire
To want emotionally or sexually.
She has desired him since they first met.
Vision
(countable) Something imaginary one thinks one sees.
He tried drinking from the pool of water, but realized it was only a vision.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Vision
Something unreal or imaginary; a creation of fancy.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Vision
(countable) An ideal or a goal toward which one aspires.
He worked tirelessly toward his vision of world peace.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Vision
(countable) A religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance.
He had a vision of the Virgin Mary.
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Vision
(countable) A person or thing of extraordinary beauty.
Desire
(uncountable) Strong attraction, particularly romantic or sexual.
His desire for her kept him awake at night.
Vision
(uncountable) Pre-recorded film or tape; footage.
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Vision
(transitive) To imagine something as if it were to be true.
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Vision
(transitive) To present as in a vision.
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Vision
(transitive) To provide with a vision. en
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.
Vision
The act of seeing external objects; actual sight.
Faith here is turned into vision there.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Vision
The faculty of seeing; sight; one of the five senses, by which colors and the physical qualities of external objects are appreciated as a result of the stimulating action of light on the sensitive retina, an expansion of the optic nerve.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Vision
That which is seen; an object of sight.
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.
Vision
Especially, that which is seen otherwise than by the ordinary sight, or the rational eye; a supernatural, prophetic, or imaginary sight; an apparition; a phantom; a specter; as, the visions of Isaiah.
The baseless fabric of this vision.
No dreams, but visions strange.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Vision
Hence, something unreal or imaginary; a creation of fancy.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Vision
To see in a vision; to dream.
For them no visioned terrors daunt,Their nights no fancied specters haunt.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Vision
A vivid mental image;
He had a vision of his own death
Desire
Grief; regret.
Vision
The ability to see; the faculty of vision
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Vision
The perceptual experience of seeing;
The runners emerged from the trees into his clear vision
He had a visual sensation of intense light
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Vision
The formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses;
Popular imagination created a world of demons
Imagination reveals what the world could be
Desire
Something that is desired
Vision
A religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance;
He had a vision of the Virgin Mary
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Vision
The ability to think about and plan for the future with imagination or wisdom.
His vision for the company involved embracing new technologies.
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Vision
A clear and aspirational idea of what could be achieved in the future.
With clear vision, she saw opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.
Desire
Express a desire for
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.
His desire to learn was evident in his constant reading.
Desire
An inclination or preference for a particular outcome.
It was his desire to see everyone treated fairly.
Common Curiosities
Is desire always conscious?
No, some desires operate on a subconscious level, influencing behavior without conscious awareness.
Can desire be negative?
Yes, desire can be negative if it leads to harmful consequences or conflicts with one's values.
Can vision change over time?
Yes, vision can evolve as one gains more insight, experience, and perspective.
What drives desire?
Desire is driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including needs, wants, and lacks.
What is the role of vision in leadership?
Vision in leadership provides direction, inspires followers, and guides action towards achieving long-term goals.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
