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want

[wɒnt]

want Definition

  • 1to have a desire to possess or do something
  • 2to lack or be short of something desirable or essential

Using want: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "want" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I want a cup of coffee.

  • Example

    She wants to go on vacation.

  • Example

    He wants to be a doctor.

  • Example

    They want more money.

want Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for want

Antonyms for want

Idioms Using want

  • to lack or need something

    Example

    The family was in want of food and shelter.

  • to deliberately avoid hearing or learning about something

    Example

    When he found out about the accident, he didn't want to know the details.

  • want the earth/moon

    to demand too much or ask for something that is impossible to obtain

    Example

    He asked for a raise, but he wanted the earth and the moon.

Phrases with want

  • to have everything one needs or desires

    Example

    Growing up, she wanted for nothing.

  • to desire to leave or escape from a situation or relationship

    Example

    After years of working in the same job, he wanted out.

  • to express a desire to be included in something

    Example

    When they heard about the party, they all wanted in.

Origins of want

from Old Norse 'vanta', meaning 'to lack'

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Summary: want in Brief

The verb 'want' [wɒnt] means to have a desire for something or to lack something desirable or essential. It can be used in various contexts, from expressing a simple wish like 'I want a cup of coffee' to indicating a long-term goal like 'He wants to be a doctor.' 'Want' also appears in phrases like 'want for nothing,' meaning to have everything one needs or desires, and idioms like 'not want to know,' meaning to deliberately avoid hearing or learning about something.

How do native speakers use this expression?