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need

need

 
pronunciation:
nid
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb, auxiliary verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Homophone Note, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a requirement, necessity, or obligation.
A baby has many needs that must be fulfilled by parents or caregivers.Food and water are the body's primary needs.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.The crops are in need of rain.
synonyms:
dearth, deficiency, insufficiency, lack, paucity, scarcity, shortage, want
similar words:
pinch, void
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
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: needs, needing, needed
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.[verb + gerund ]
synonyms:
call for, claim, demand, require, want
similar words:
exact
definition 2: to have or feel the obligation or necessity (to do or be something).
You need to sign the form on the front and back.[verb + infinitive ] I need to leave now, or I'll miss the bus.[verb + infinitive ] These patients need to be in bed.I'm tired; I need to take a break.[verb + infinitive ]
similar words:
must
definition 3: to require out of necessity or earnestly want.
Your country needs you to fight.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] We need them to help us, or we'll never get this finished.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] I need him to tell me he loves me.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ] The boss needs this done by tomorrow.[verb + smby/smth + past participle ] I need all the carpets vacuumed before the guests start to arrive.[verb + smby/smth + past participle ] This item needs to be first on the agenda.[verb + infinitive ] These papers and folders need to be organized.[verb + infinitive ] I need for you to be patient just a little longer.[verb + for smby/smth + infinitive ]
similar words:
require, want
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to be in want of something.
She needs for nothing.
synonyms:
lack, want
definition 2: to be necessary.
There needs to be a sturdy railing along these steps.[there + verb + to be/infinitive ]
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: auxiliary verb
inflections: needs, needing, needed
definition: to be under a necessity or an obligation (used mainly in negative statements or interrogatives).
You need not explain; I understand perfectly.[modal verb + bare infinitive ] He need not have attended the meeting; it didn't really concern him.[modal verb + bare infinitive ] They needn't be worried; everything will be fine.[modal verb + bare infinitive ] Need I be concerned about this?[modal verb + bare infinitive ] Need you leave so soon?[modal verb + bare infinitive ]
synonyms:
should
Homophone Note
Are you looking for the word knead (to press or rub)? Need and knead sound alike but have different meanings.