|
|
need
- pronunciation:
- nid
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb, auxiliary verb
- features:
- Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a requirement or obligation.
A baby has many needs that must be fulfilled by parents or caregivers.Many kids feel a need to rebel.They make just enough money to take care of their basic needs.- synonyms:
- essential, must, necessary, obligation, requirement, requisite, sine qua non
- similar words:
- call, desideratum, duty, necessity, want
|
| definition 2: |
the lack of something that is required or indispensable.
There is a need for skilled workers.- synonyms:
- dearth, deficiency, insufficiency, lack, paucity, scarcity, shortage, want
- similar words:
- pinch
|
| definition 3: |
obligation arising from the facts of a situation.
There is no need for you to be worried.- synonyms:
- exigency
- similar words:
- claim, demand, obligation
|
| definition 4: |
a state of want; poverty.
It is a shame that many people live in need.- synonyms:
- destitution, indigence, necessity, penury, poverty, privation, want
- similar words:
- distress, extremity, misery, pinch, straits, trouble
|
| related words: |
absence, appetite, desire, essential, hunger, imperative, market, mind, necessary, postulate, use |
|
|
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
needed, needing, needs |
| definition 1: |
to have a requirement for.
They need more money to support their families.All animals need water to live.The house needs painting and the windows need washing.- synonyms:
- call for, claim, demand, require, want
- similar words:
- exact
|
| definition 2: |
to have or feel the necessity or obligation (to do something).
You need to sign the form on the front and back.I need to leave now, or I'll miss the bus.I'm tired; I need to take a break.- similar words:
- must
|
| definition 3: |
to require out of necessity or earnestly want (another to do something).
Your country needs you to fight.We need them to help us, or we'll never get this finished.I need him to tell me he loves me.- similar words:
- require, want
|
| related words: |
burn, claim, desire, lack, mind, occasion, take |
|
|
| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to be in want of something.
She needs for nothing.- synonyms:
- lack, want
|
| related words: |
ache |
|
|
| part of speech: |
auxiliary verb |
| inflections: |
needed, needing, needs |
| definition: |
to be under a necessity or an obligation (used mainly in negative statements or interrogatives).
You need not explain; I understand perfectly.He need not have attended the meeting; it didn't really concern him.They needn't be worried; everything will be fine.Need I be concerned about this?Need you leave so soon?- synonyms:
- should
|
Are you looking for the word knead (to press or rub)? Need and knead sound alike but have different meanings.
|
|