need

verb
UK: /niːd/
US: /niːd/

  1. To require something because it is essential or very important.

    1. I need water after running. [ ] [ ]
    2. Plants need sunlight to grow properly and stay healthy in the garden. [ ] [ ]

  2. To want something very much.

    1. I need a vacation soon. [ ] [ ]
    2. She needs to learn how to drive so she can get to work more easily. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to say that someone should do something

    1. You need to rest more. [ ] [ ]
    2. They need to consider all the options before making a final decision. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

require essential demand necessity lack
need noun

  1. The state of requiring help or something necessary.

    1. I am in need of help. [ ] [ ]
    2. There's no need for alarm because the situation is under control. [ ] [ ]

  2. Something that you must have.

    1. Food is a basic need. [ ] [ ]
    2. Access to clean water is a fundamental need for all communities. [ ] [ ]
need adverb

  1. Used to say that something is not necessary or required.

    1. You needn't worry now. [ ] [ ]
    2. He needn't have bothered to buy a gift because she already had one. [ ] [ ]
need phrasal-verb

  1. Used to say that something was not necessary.

    1. I needn't have gone there. [ ] [ ]
    2. We needn't have rushed because the train was delayed by an hour. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "need" in English means: To require something because it is essential or very important., To want something very much., Used to say that someone should do something.

The phonetic transcription of "need" is /niːd/ in British English and /niːd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "need": require, essential, demand, necessity, lack.

Example usage of "need": "I need water after running.". More examples on the page.