WordGarden.iowant
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɒnt/
US
- /ˈwɑnt/
Meanings
Verb
to desire or wish for something
to need or require something
Beyond the definition
To want something is to have a desire for it—it's that unmistakable feeling of, "I'd really like that!" It can be as simple as wanting a cookie or as complex as wanting to change the world. Sometimes, want describes a need, but often it implies something beyond basic necessity. A baby needs food to survive, but they might want a specific colorful toy.
Think of a puppy eyeing a treat—that's pure want. Or imagine someone saying, "I want to be a doctor"; they have a strong desire and feel moved to work toward that goal. It is the force behind many of our actions, pulling us toward what we believe will make us happy or fulfilled.
The word "want" seems simple, but it holds layers of meaning beyond just desiring something. At its core, want expresses a feeling of lack—a recognition that you don't currently possess something and would like to. This can range from tangible objects ("I want a new bicycle") to intangible experiences ("I want peace and quiet").
However, "want" isn't always the same as "need." We need food, water, and shelter for survival. But we want delicious meals, comfortable homes, and exciting adventures. The distinction is important: needs are essential for life, while wants add enjoyment and fulfillment.
"Want" also appears in phrases that describe a lack of something necessary. For example, the proverb "For want of a nail, the shoe was lost" means that because one small thing was missing, a much larger problem happened. It can also be used in an older or more formal way to show that something is needed: "The garden wants water," meaning it needs watering.
As a verb, want drives action—we strive for the things we desire. As a noun, it can represent the state of poverty or the desire itself: "His greatest want was to see his family again." So, whether you're craving a treat, dreaming of success, or simply acknowledging a lack, "want" is the fundamental human experience of desiring something more—the spark that ignites our ambitions and shapes our choices.
Examples
- 1
Basic desire
I want a cup of coffee.
- 2
Leaving early
She wants to go home early today.
- 3
Polite offer
Do you want me to carry that for you?
- Patternwant someone to do something
ask for that person to do it
- 4
Deadline request
They want the report by Friday.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Attention seeking
He just wants attention.
- 6
Flexible suggestion
If you want, we can talk about it later.
- Phraseif you want
if that is what you would like
- 7
Omitted verb
You can stay here if you want to.
- Grammarwant to
the full verb can be left out when it is already understood
- 8
Demand
What do you want from me?
- Patternwant something from someone
expect or demand something from them
- 9
Avoiding harm
She didn’t want to upset anyone.
- 10
Asking price
They want $500 for the bike.
- Patternwant an amount for something
ask for that price
- 11
Completed result
I want this finished before the meeting.
- Patternwant something done
want it to be completed
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- want to
- want someone to
- want something
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- wantnounverb
Forms
- wantedpast tenseverbnoun
- wantsverbnoun
- wanting-ing formverbnoun