What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aspire
Example
She aspires to become a successful writer one day. [aspire: verb]
Example
Aspiring to be a doctor, he worked hard to get into medical school. [aspiring: present participle]
desire
Example
I desire to travel the world and experience different cultures. [desire: verb]
Example
Her desire for success motivated her to work hard and achieve her goals. [desire: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desire is more commonly used than aspire in everyday language. Desire is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while aspire is less common and tends to be used in more formal or aspirational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aspire and desire?
While aspire is typically associated with a more formal tone, desire can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.
