Wanting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
wanting
[หwษntษชล ]
Definitions
feeling
Having or showing a desire for something.
Synonyms
craving, desiring, longing, yearning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wanting |
This is the most general term and can be used in everyday situations where you need or would like something.
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| desiring |
This word is more formal and can be used in both everyday and professional contexts to indicate a wish or wish for something specific, often with a sense of intent or purpose.
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| craving |
This word suggests a strong, often uncontrollable desire, typically for food or specific sensations.
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| yearning |
This word conveys an intense, emotional desire for something that is distant or perhaps unattainable. It has a poetic or dramatic tone.
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| longing |
This word implies a deep, emotional desire, often for something that is far away or hard to attain. It is usually connected to feelings of nostalgia or romanticism.
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Examples of usage
- She had a wanting look in her eyes.
- He was wanting a new car for his birthday.
lacking
Lacking something that is needed or expected.
Synonyms
deficient, lacking, missing, scant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wanting |
When indicating that something is not as good or complete as it could be, primarily in formal or written English.
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| lacking |
When something important or necessary is not present, often used in everyday conversation and writing.
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| missing |
When something that is usually present or needed has disappeared or is not available, used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| deficient |
When describing something that needs improvement because it is not good enough, especially in formal, technical, or medical contexts.
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| scant |
When describing something in small quantities or insufficient amounts, often used to imply a negative connotation, typically in formal or literary contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The team was wanting in experience.
- The soup was wanting in flavor.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Desire can be linked to motivation, driving people to set and achieve goals.
- Psychologists suggest that understanding our wants is crucial for emotional health.
- Satisfaction of desires often leads to feelings of happiness, while unmet wants can result in frustration.
Literature
- Many famous authors explore the theme of wanting, depicting characters driven by unfulfilled desires.
- In poetry, 'wanting' often conveys a deep emotional longing, symbolizing human struggles.
- Literary works frequently illustrate how characters' desires shape their journey and personal growth.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures interpret 'wanting' uniquely, with some viewing it positively as a source of ambition.
- In consumer societies, wanting can lead to social pressures and materialism.
- Philosophical beliefs vary, with some suggesting that desire is a fundamental part of the human experience, while others warn against its potential for discontent.
Origin of 'wanting'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'wont', meaning 'to be accustomed', which later evolved to express desire.
- In some contexts, 'wanting' can mean lacking something that is expected or needed.
- The shift in meaning reflects cultural changes in how people express their needs and desires.
The word 'wanting' originated from the Old English word 'wantian', which means 'to be lacking'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe a desire or a lack of something. The concept of wanting has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, highlighting the complex nature of human desires and needs.
See also: unwanted, unwantedness, want.