Meaning of need in English

Table of contents

Verb
need
Etymology
Old English nēodian (verb), nēod, nēd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nood and German Not‘danger’
Definitions
1. require as useful, just, or proper
Examples
- « It takes nerve to do what she did »
- « success usually requires hard work »
- « This job asks a lot of patience and skill »
- « This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice »
- « This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert; »
Antonyms
Derived terms
2. have need of
Examples
- « This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner »
Derived terms
3. have or feel a need for
Examples
- « always needing friends and money »
Noun
need
Definitions
1. a condition requiring relief
Examples
- « she satisfied his need for affection »
- « God has no need of men to accomplish His work »
- « there is a demand for jobs »
Derived terms
2. anything that is necessary but lacking
Examples
- « he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs »
- « I tried to supply his wants »
Derived terms
3. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal
Examples
- « the reason for the action »
- « that which gives purpose and direction to behavior »
- « we did not understand his motivation »
- « he acted with the best of motives »
Derived terms
4. a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Examples
- « their indigence appalled him »
- « a general state of need exists among the homeless »
Derived terms

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« I don't believe we need the government's help as much as some think we do. That belief sets me apart from the Democrats, since their way of dealing with everything is to tax and spend. »
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« You never know God is all you need until God is all you have. »
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