Need: meaning, definitions and examples

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need

[niːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to require something

To require something as essential or necessary. To have need of something. To be in need of something.

Synonyms

demand, necessitate, require.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
need	Use when expressing a basic requirement or something essential for living or functioning. I need water to stay hydrated. She needs a new pair of shoes for school.
require	Use for stating that something is needed or obligatory, often in formal contexts such as rules, conditions, or specifications. The job requires a bachelor's degree. Most plants require adequate sunlight and water to grow.
demand	Use when talking about something that is strongly requested or required, often with a sense of urgency or authority. The workers are demanding higher wages. There is a high demand for medical supplies during a pandemic.
necessitate	Use when something makes something else necessary or unavoidable, often in more formal or technical contexts. The severe weather necessitates a change in our travel plans. His condition necessitates immediate medical attention.

Examples of usage

I need your help with this project.
She needs to finish her homework before going out.
We need to find a solution to this problem as soon as possible.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

lack of something necessary

The state of lacking something essential or desired. The condition of requiring something for satisfaction or relief.

Synonyms

lack, necessity, requirement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
need	Use 'need' when you require something essential or important. I need a glass of water. We need more time to finish this project.
lack	Use 'lack' when you want to show that something is missing or insufficient. This often has a negative connotation. There is a lack of food in the refrigerator. He lacks the necessary skills for the job.
requirement	Use 'requirement' when referring to a need that is specified or formalized, often with rules or guidelines. A visa is a requirement for traveling to certain countries. Meeting this deadline is a requirement for the project.
necessity	Use 'necessity' to talk about something that is indispensable or very important for a particular purpose. Water is a basic necessity of life. Good communication is a necessity in a healthy relationship.

Examples of usage

There is a need for more resources to complete the project.
The homeless have many needs that must be addressed.
She tries to help those in need whenever she can.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'need' comes from Old English 'neodian', which means to make use of or to be in want.
It is related to the German word 'not', meaning necessity or want, highlighting a universal understanding of lack.
The use of 'need' in the English language has evolved, but it has always carried the core sense of requirement.

Psychology

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, basic needs like food and shelter must be satisfied before higher-level psychological needs.
Research indicates that unfulfilled needs can lead to stress, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction.
The concept of needs is central to understanding motivations behind human behavior, influencing choices and decisions.

Cultural References

In many cultures, the phrase 'I need you' conveys emotional dependence, illustrating the importance of relationships.
Songs and literature often explore themes of unfulfilled needs, such as love, security, and belonging, resonating universally with audiences.
In pop culture, movies often depict characters going on adventures to fulfill their needs, emphasizing the drama and stakes involved.

Economics

In economics, 'needs' refer to basic goods and services essential for survival, distinguishing them from wants, which are additional luxuries.
Basic needs theory suggests that satisfying essential needs is crucial for economic stability and growth in any society.
The understanding of needs versus wants is fundamental in resource allocation and policy-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "need" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precisar

🇮🇳 जरूरत

🇩🇪 brauchen

🇮🇩 perlu

🇺🇦 потребувати

🇵🇱 potrzebować

🇯🇵 必要とする

🇫🇷 avoir besoin de

🇪🇸 necesitar

🇹🇷 gerekmek

🇰🇷 필요하다

🇸🇦 يحتاج

🇨🇿 potřebovat

🇸🇰 potrebovať

🇨🇳 需要

🇸🇮 potrebovati

🇮🇸 þurfa

🇰🇿 қажет

🇬🇪 ჭირდებათ

🇦🇿 lazım olmaq

🇲🇽 necesitar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #162, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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159 value
160 taken
161 give
162 need
163 period
164 hand
165 interest
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