What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wants
Example
He wants to buy a new car. [wants: verb]
Example
I have many wants and needs that I hope to fulfill someday. [wants: noun]
desire
Example
She desires to travel the world someday. [desires: verb]
Example
His desire for success drives him to work hard every day. [desire: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wants is more commonly used than desire in everyday language. Wants is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while desire is less common and more formal, often used in literary or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wants and desire?
Desire is more formal than wants and is often used in more serious or academic contexts. Wants is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
