Ambition vs Goal
Although ambition and goal are often considered synonymous, there are key differences. This article will discuss the definitions of each word and how they are used in the English language.
What does Ambition mean?
Ambition is the determination to achieve success or distinction in life. It can be considered determination itself. Ambition is a noun, with the adjective form being “ambitious” and the adverb form “ambitiously.” Ambition involves action and pertains to a particular or chosen field. For example, a hardworking student’s ambition might be to secure the first rank in university examinations.
What does Goal mean?
In contrast, a goal refers to the object of a person’s ambition or effort. A goal does not involve action but indicates a destination or aim. In other words, a goal is an aim, target, or object of determination. For example, the “first rank” in the previously mentioned ambition would be the goal. Goal can also refer to the score in games like football, rugby, or hockey. Goal is a noun, but there are no adjectival or adverbial forms of the word.
Key Takeaways
- Ambition is the determination to achieve success, while a goal refers to the object of a person’s ambition or effort.
- Ambition involves action and pertains to a particular field, whereas a goal does not involve action and indicates a destination or aim.
- Both ambition and goal are nouns, but only ambition has adjectival (ambitious) and adverbial (ambitiously) forms.
