Need Meaning
Need Definition & Usage
To require something because it is essential or necessary.
Examples
- "I need some water after the hike."
- "You need to study harder if you want to pass the exam."
- "They need to fix the roof before the winter comes."
- "Do you need any help with your luggage?"
- "She needs to take her medicine every day."
To have an obligation or duty to do something, often as a moral or social requirement.
Examples
- "You need to apologize for what you said."
- "People need to take action if we are to save the environment."
- "He needs to be more considerate of others' feelings."
- "We need to respect the rules of the game."
- "Students need to attend classes regularly."
Something that is required or necessary for a particular situation.
Examples
- "Food and water are basic needs for survival."
- "The company addresses the needs of its clients."
- "She has a need for adventure and excitement."
- "There is a growing need for mental health services in the community."
- "Their needs are simple: safety and security."
A strong desire for something, often indicating a personal want or craving.
Examples
- "She had a need for companionship."
- "His need for success drove him to work day and night."
- "The child expressed a need for affection."
- "There is a need for more creative expression in the workplace."
- "He couldn’t deny his need for freedom."
Cultural Context
The word 'need' has been a fundamental part of the English language since Old English, where it was spelled 'nēod' and had similar meanings. Over time, it expanded to include both physical necessities and emotional or social obligations. It has become an essential part of expressing both concrete requirements and abstract desires.
The Journey of Needs
Story
The Journey of Needs
On a quiet morning, Sarah stood in front of her old house, looking at the broken roof that had been leaking for months. She sighed, her mind overwhelmed by the pressing need to fix it before the rainstorm arrived. It was one of those things that had to be done, no question. She needed the help of her neighbors, but was reluctant to ask. Her pride made it hard to admit she couldn’t handle everything on her own. As she walked into town, her thoughts shifted. She had been working too hard lately. The endless list of tasks seemed endless, and a small voice inside her whispered, 'You need a break.' She had been ignoring that voice for weeks, but now, it felt louder. She needed time for herself, time to reconnect with who she was before the responsibilities of life had overtaken her. Sarah walked past the small café where her friend Lucy worked. Lucy saw her through the window and waved, calling out, 'Sarah! You look like you need a coffee.' 'Actually, I do,' Sarah admitted, stepping inside. As they sat down, Sarah vented about the roof, the storm, and the overwhelming sense of obligation. Lucy listened patiently, then said, 'Sometimes, it feels like everyone needs something from you, doesn’t it?' Sarah nodded, feeling the weight of those words. It wasn’t just about the roof. It was the constant pressure to fulfill every need around her—her work, her friends, her family. She realized she needed to take a step back, to figure out what she truly needed. Not just in terms of the roof or the storm, but emotionally, personally. Later that day, Sarah spoke with her neighbor, Mark, and he agreed to help with the roof. When the work was done, Sarah felt a mix of relief and gratitude. She had gotten what she needed, but more than that, she had learned to acknowledge her own needs. The storm came and passed, but it was the personal clarity that remained. Sarah smiled as she sat in her now-dry living room, realizing that sometimes, addressing your needs wasn’t just about fixing the immediate problems—it was about taking care of yourself in the long run.
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