need

[niːd]

need Definition

• 1. require (something) because it is essential or very important
• 2. a lack of something deemed necessary or desirable

Using need: Examples

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

• Example

  I need to go to the store to buy some milk.

• Example

  He needs a new pair of shoes for the wedding.

• Example

  The plant needs water to survive.

• Example

  We all have basic needs like food and shelter.

need Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for need

• requirement
• necessity
• demand
• essential
• must-have

Antonyms for need

• luxury
• want
• surplus

Idioms Using need

• if need be

  if it is necessary

  Example

  We can stay up all night if need be to finish this project.

• a friend in need is a friend indeed

  a true friend is someone who helps you when you are in need

  Example

  When I was going through a tough time, my best friend was always there for me. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

• there's no need to

  it is not necessary to

  Example

  There's no need to apologize. It wasn't your fault.

Phrases with need

• in need

  lacking the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, or clothing

  Example

  The charity provides assistance to those in need.

• feel the need

  have a strong desire or urge to do something

  Example

  I feel the need to take a break from work and go on vacation.

• be in need of

  require something because it is lacking or insufficient

  Example

  The car is in need of repair.

Origins of need

from Old English 'nēodian', meaning 'to compel, force'

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Summary: need in Brief

The term 'need' [niːd] refers to something that is essential or very important, often lacking or requiring fulfillment. It can be used as both a verb and a noun, as in 'I need to go to the store to buy some milk' and 'We all have basic needs like food and shelter.' Phrases like 'in need' and 'be in need of' denote lacking necessities, while idioms like 'if need be' and 'there's no need to' imply necessity or lack thereof.