What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dreams
Example
Last night, I had a dream that I was flying. [dream: noun]
Example
My dream is to become a successful musician one day. [dream: noun]
Example
It's just a dream to think that we could travel to Mars anytime soon. [dream: adjective]
desire
Example
I have a strong desire to travel the world. [desire: noun]
Example
He felt a strong desire for her, but he knew it was not reciprocated. [desire: noun]
Example
She desired to become a doctor since she was a child. [desired: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desire is more commonly used than dreams in everyday language. Desire is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dreams are more specific and often related to sleep or aspirations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dreams and desire?
Both dreams and desires can be used in formal and informal contexts, but desires may be considered more formal due to its versatility and broader range of applications.