Desires: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe strong feelings of wanting something or someone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• She has strong desires to travel the world
• His desires often dictated his actions

Typically used for expressing wants or hopes, frequently in a lighter, more whimsical context. It is also often used in social interactions like birthday wishes.

• She made a wish before blowing out the candles on her birthday cake
• His wish was to see the ocean at least once

Usually used to describe a strong, often sudden, desire for something specific, often food. It can sometimes have a negative connotation related to addiction.

• She had midnight cravings for ice cream
• His cravings for cigarettes were hard to resist

Describes a deep, emotional feeling of wanting something, often with a sense of melancholy or nostalgia. It is more poetic and less commonly used in daily conversation.

• He felt a deep longing for his hometown
• Her longings for the past often made her sentimental

Similar to longings, it indicates a strong, emotional desire, but can often feel more intense or urgent. It is typically used in more emotional or literary contexts.

• Her yearnings for adventure were impossible to ignore
• He felt a yearning to understand the mysteries of the universe

Often refers to long-term goals or ambitions, generally used in a more formal or professional setting.

• Her aspirations to become a doctor inspired her to study hard
• Company employees are encouraged to share their professional aspirations during meetings

Used to express a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, often associated with long-term goals or ambitions.

• She desires to become a renowned artist
• His desires led him to travel the world in search of knowledge

Often used to indicate an intense or urgent need for something, usually regarding food, comfort, or specific experiences.

• After a long run, he craved a cold drink
• She craves affection and understanding

Used when expressing a deep, often melancholic desire for something that is distant or unattainable.

• He longed for the peaceful days of his childhood
• She longed for his return from the war

Used in a general sense to express the hope or desire for something, often in a more formal or polite manner.

• I wish for your happiness and success
• The child wished for a new bike for his birthday

Similar to 'long for,' it is used to describe a profound emotional longing or desire, often imbued with a sense of nostalgia or emotional intensity.

• She yearned for the days they spent together
• He yearned for a sense of belonging in the new city

Typically used to describe the act of actively looking for something, often knowledge, life goals, or truth.

• He seeks wisdom through meditation
• She sought a new career opportunity in a different city