What is the Difference Between Dream and Wish

The main difference between dream and wish is that we always try to make our dreams come true, but we don’t usually actively pursue our wishes.

Both dreams and wishes refer to our hopes and desires. Although many people assume them to be the same, there is a distinct difference between dream and wish. Dreams are things we want to accomplish or achieve in life, whereas wishes are our hopes and desires for things to happen.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Dream 
     – Definition, Features, Examples
2. What is a Wish
     – Definition, Features, Examples
3. Difference Between Dream and Wish
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Dream, Wish

What is a Dream

A dream is something you wish to achieve. This typically takes some time to achieve, so it is a long term wish or a goal. It’s dreams that give us passion and strength to achieve our goals. Sometimes, we use the word dream interchangeably with the word ambition. For example, Alexia’s dream is to be in the Head of Marketing post within the next five years. In this example, Alexia’s dream and her ambition refer to the same. Achieving or realizing a dream may require a lot of hard work and effort.

Let’s look at some example sentences to understand the meaning and usage of the word dream more clearly. 

Her dream is to be a best-selling author one day. 

He dreamt of buying a Lamborghini. 

Connell worked hard to fulfilled his dream of becoming a cardiologist. 

She fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a boxing champion.

What is a Wish

A wish is our desire or hope for something to happen. But we don’t usually actively pursue wishes -we wait for them to happen. For example, you may make a wish while blowing the candles on your birthday. We usually make wishes about things that are not in our control – for example, weather, health, future, etc. Sometimes, you make wish lists. These wish lists contain everything you want or desire someday, but these are things that you are not actively pursuing at this time. Moreover, when we compare wishes with dreams, wishes tend to be more simple in nature.

Let’s look at some examples now to understand the meaning and usage of this word more clearly.

Jenelle wished for a beautiful pink doll for her birthday.

I wish you would stop crying.

He wanted to fulfil all her wishes.

She tried her best to carry out her late father’s last wishes.

Difference Between Dream and Wish

Definition

Dreams are things we want to accomplish or achieve in life, whereas wishes are our hopes and desires for things to happen.

Effort

We always try to make our dreams come true, but we don’t usually actively pursue our wishes.

Nature

Dreams are usually more complex and take a long time to achieve, while wishes tend to be simple in nature.

Importance

Dreams may make you passionate and drive you towards achieving long-term goals and objectives, whereas wishes don’t usually drive you towards achieving goals.

Examples

Your dream may be to become an award-winning actor, to do a PhD in education, to build a three-storied house, etc., while your wishes may typically involve things like good health, sunny weather, gifts on your birthday, etc.

Conclusion

The main difference between dream and wish is that we always try to make our dreams come true, but we don’t usually actively pursue our wishes. Moreover, dreams are usually more complex and take a long time to achieve, while wishes tend to be more simple in nature.

Reference:

1. “Wish.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 July 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Wish-heart-love-decoration-gift-782424” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Dream-dreams-mood-psychology-2924176” (CC0) via Pixabay