want
Looking for the meaning of want? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A desire, wish, longing.
(often followed by of) Lack, absence.
Poverty.
Something needed or desired; a thing of which the loss is felt.
A depression in coal strata, hollowed out before the subsequent deposition took place.
To wish for or desire (something); to feel a need or desire for; to crave or demand.
“What do you want to eat? I want you to leave. I never wanted to go back to live with my mother.”
(in particular) To wish, desire or demand to see, have the presence of or do business with.
“Danish police want him for embezzlement.”
To desire (to experience desire); to wish.
“You can leave if you want.”
(usually second person, often future tense) To be advised to do something (compare should, ought).
“You’ll want to repeat this three or four times to get the best result.”
(now colloquial) To lack and be in need of or require (something, such as a noun or verbal noun).
“That chair wants fixing.”
(now rare) To have occasion for (something requisite or useful); to require or need.
To be lacking or deficient or absent.
“There was something wanting in the play.”
To be in a state of destitution; to be needy; to lack.
“The paupers desperately want.”
To lack and be without, to not have (something).
“She wanted anything she needed.”
(by extension) To lack and (be able to) do without.
Understanding "want"
The word **"want"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/wɔnt/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"want"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "want" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "want" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "want" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /wɔnt/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "want" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "want" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "want" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "want". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/wɔnt/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "want" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use want in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "want" can be used in academic and casual conversations.