What is the difference between "wish" and "want"? and how do you distinguish them?

Question

Thanks.

Answer 1

That is a good point, they are both referring to things that we desire to have. The only real difference that i can think of is that a wish is more of something that we may believe is not always possible (just a wish), whereas, if we want something that bad, it is possible to get it. I think maybe the "want" is a slightly stronger word than the "wish"...

Answer 2

wishing for something is like hoping to get it

but wanting something is needing it and working hard to get it.

and please answer this:

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Answer 3

They are often used interchangeably, but to distinguish them I would say a wish is something that you want but probably won't or can't get, and a want is something you don't have but is realistically obtainable.

Answer 4

"Wishes" are more or less like imaginary things about which you are not very sure,  while  " want" is what you really needed to live comfortably and it is somehow obtainable.  

Answer 5

I don't think there is really a definite difference between the two, but I see "wish" as less attainable.

I "wish" I could just be like Paris Hilton and not work and be famous for doing nothing. But I "want" a raise at work, which is certainly attainable.

I "wish" there could be peace in the world. But I "want" the troops to be safe and come home soon.

Answer 6

To "wish" for something is more fantasy driven. To "want" something is more grounded in reality.

  I wish for a perfect world, but "want" a hamburger.