to need

Examples

• All

• - We need more nurses at the hospital.

  He's Watching (2022)

• To document this current migration, we need to look at artifacts from our own time.

  Academic text (2011)

• The message is we need to do it now.

  Evan Carmichael

• What you have we need, and we need it now.

• So I think that more people need to be loved.

  Dr. Mayim Bialik

• Why does the world need you and your product?

  Rob Moore

• I think you need some help.

  Straw Dogs (1971)

• Throughout the research process, students constantly need to ask questions to help conduct their research.

  Academic text (2011)

• This is exactly what we need to find Sasquatch.

• You don't need much, just need a glass of water.

Synonyms

T

to take

vsto need

∞ 1.0

Need a certain amount of time or space

expresses necessity without implying capacity or container role

R

to require

vsto need

∞ 1.1

Need something because a rule or situation makes it necessary

is the general word for necessity without situational rules

W

to want

vsto need

• Formal

∞ 5.8

To need something because it is missing

expresses stronger necessity rather than mere lack or absence

C

to call for

vsto need

359 3.2

Need something because the situation makes it necessary

is the broad term for necessity without situational focus

D

to demand

vsto need

311 2.1

To need something because a job or situation must have it

expresses necessity without the force or strong expectation

D

to depend on

vsto need

309 1.0

Need help or support from something to live

states a general necessary condition, not reliance or support

N

to necessitate

vsto need

• Formal

24 6.3

To make something needed as a result

expresses direct necessity rather than causing that necessity

B

to behoove

vsto need

• Formal

20 9.5

To be right or necessary for someone to do something

expresses general necessity rather than personal duty or appropriateness

Idioms

I

if need be

11 3.9

When it is necessary to do something

N

to need some poon

• Offensive

9.9

An informal way to say you want to have sex, often used by men

Phrasal Verbs

N

to need a break

• Informal

62 2.1

Want time to rest because you feel tired or stressed

N

to need to pee

• Informal

12 5.6

To feel you have to go to the toilet to pass urine

N

to need a breather

• Informal

2 3.6

Want a short rest to catch your breath

Compounds

N

need-to-know

• Formal

84 7.7

Information given only to people who must have it for their work

T

times of need

22 3.2

Periods when people are in trouble and others must help them

N

need-to-know basis

• Formal

12 5.5

A rule that gives information only to people who need it for their work

G

growing need

1 2.7

An increasing demand for something

How Necessary

to demand

943 2.7

to need

∞ 1.0

to require

∞ 1.1

to want

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology