Want: meaning, definitions and examples

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want

 

[ wɒnt ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

desire

Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.

Synonyms

crave, desire, long for, wish

Examples of usage

  • I want to go to the beach tomorrow.
  • She wants a new car for her birthday.
  • Do you want some more coffee?
Context #2 | Noun

lack

A lack or deficiency of something.

Synonyms

deficiency, lack, scarcity, shortage

Examples of usage

  • There is a want of food and water in the refugee camp.
  • He died of want in the harsh winter.

Translations

Translations of the word "want" in other languages:

🇵🇹 querer

🇮🇳 चाहना

🇩🇪 wollen

🇮🇩 mau

🇺🇦 хотіти

🇵🇱 chcieć

🇯🇵 欲しい (hoshii)

🇫🇷 vouloir

🇪🇸 querer

🇹🇷 istemek

🇰🇷 원하다 (wonhada)

🇸🇦 يريد (yureed)

🇨🇿 chtít

🇸🇰 chcieť

🇨🇳 想 (xiǎng)

🇸🇮 želeti

🇮🇸 vilja

🇰🇿 қалау

🇬🇪 ნდომა (ndoma)

🇦🇿 istəmək

🇲🇽 querer

Word origin

The word 'want' originated from Old English 'wian' meaning 'to be lacking'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the desire for something. 'Want' has been used in the English language for centuries, reflecting human needs and aspirations.

See also: unwanted, unwantedness, wanting.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #249, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.