Want vs. Need

synonyms

'want' and 'need' refer to desires and requirements and are different in this regard. This lesson will discuss their difference.

'Need' refers to essential requirements for survival or well-being, while 'want' represents desires or preferences that are not necessarily essential.

Difference

'Need' refers to something that is necessary or essential for survival, well-being, or fulfilling a specific purpose. It implies a requirement or essentiality. On the other hand, 'want' conveys a desire for something that is not necessarily essential for survival or immediate well-being. It represents a preference or a non-essential desire. Needs are typically more important and have higher priority, while wants are more flexible and dependent on personal preferences or desires.

He wants a new car.

'Want' refers to a personal desire rather than an urgent and necessary requirement.

He needs a new car because the old one was wrecked in the accident.

As the second clause suggests, 'need' refers to necessity of a new car.

You need to drink water to stay hydrated.

He wants to have drinks at a bar.

Similarity

Both 'need' and 'want' are transitive verbs and they can both be followed by noun phrases or to-infinitives.

They want more information.

'Want' with a noun phrase

The need more information.

'Need' with a noun phrase

She wants to succeed.

'Want' with a to-infinitive

She needs to succeed.

'Need' with a to-infinitive

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