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- 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
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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
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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
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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
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related words: |
absence, appetite, desire, essential, hunger, imperative, market, mind, necessary, postulate, use |
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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
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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
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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
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related words: |
burn, claim, desire, lack, mind, occasion, take |
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part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
definition 1: |
to be in want of something.
She needs for nothing.- synonyms:
- lack, want
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definition 2: |
to be necessary.
There needs to be a sturdy railing along these steps.[there + verb + to be/infinitive
]
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related words: |
ache |
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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
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Are you looking for the word knead (to press or rub)? Need and knead sound alike but have different meanings.
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