Definitions
- Referring to a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. - Talking about a craving or yearning for something that is not currently possessed. - Describing a feeling of attraction or interest towards someone or something.
- Describing a strong feeling of missing or yearning for something that is not currently present. - Talking about a deep emotional desire or craving for something that is unattainable or out of reach. - Referring to a nostalgic or sentimental feeling of wanting to return to a past time or place.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a strong feeling of wanting or yearning for something.
- 2Both words can be used to express an emotional attachment or attraction to someone or something.
- 3Both words are associated with a sense of incompleteness or lack.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a deep-seated desire or craving.
What is the difference?
- 1Intensity: Desire is often associated with a strong but controllable feeling, while longing is more intense and overwhelming.
- 2Duration: Desire can be fleeting or short-lived, while longing is often a long-term or persistent feeling.
- 3Attainability: Desire can be directed towards something that is attainable or within reach, while longing is often associated with something that is unattainable or out of reach.
- 4Focus: Desire is often directed towards a specific object or goal, while longing can be more abstract and directed towards a feeling or emotion.
- 5Connotation: Desire can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context, while longing is often associated with a sense of sadness or melancholy.
Remember this!
Desire and longing are both words that describe a strong feeling of wanting or yearning for something. However, the difference between them lies in their intensity, duration, focus, and attainability. Desire is often a controllable feeling directed towards a specific object or goal, while longing is more intense and persistent, often directed towards something unattainable or abstract.