Want Meaning
Want Definition & Usage
To have a strong desire or craving for something.
Examples
- "I really want a cup of coffee right now."
- "She wants to become a doctor one day."
- "He wants to buy a new car this year."
- "Do you want to go to the movies tonight?"
- "They want more time to complete the project."
To be in need or lack something.
Examples
- "The house wants a new coat of paint."
- "The team wants a leader to guide them."
- "Your car really wants a good cleaning."
- "This dress wants a little more flair."
- "The garden wants watering after the dry spell."
Used to express a hypothetical or conditional wish.
Examples
- "I would want to go, but I have work."
- "If I had the money, I would want a new phone."
- "She would want to meet you if she had the time."
- "They would want to help, but they're too busy."
- "I would want more information before making a decision."
Cultural Context
The word 'want' originates from Old English 'wanten,' meaning to lack or be deficient. Over time, it evolved to represent a strong desire or wish for something. It is now one of the most commonly used verbs in the English language and appears in many idiomatic expressions.
A Day of Wants
Story
A Day of Wants
Tom and Sarah were sitting in their favorite café, sipping their morning coffee. The conversation had started innocuously enough, but as the hours passed, it turned into an exploration of their desires and needs. "I really want to travel more," Sarah sighed, gazing out the window. "I've always wanted to visit Paris, but I never seem to have enough time." Tom nodded. He, too, had a list of things he wanted to do—things that felt just out of reach. "I want to buy a new guitar. Mine's getting old, but it's too expensive right now." Their conversation shifted towards their immediate wants. Sarah pointed to a display of pastries behind the counter. "That chocolate croissant looks amazing. I want one so badly!" Tom smiled. "I know exactly how you feel. I want another coffee to go with it." As they discussed their wishes, they began to reflect on deeper, more abstract desires. Sarah mentioned her long-term goal to start a business. "I want to build something meaningful. I want to help people." "That's a big dream, Sarah. I want something similar—to make a difference, but on a smaller scale. Maybe I can start by leading a community project." The word 'want' flowed easily between them, shifting from light-hearted cravings to more profound aspirations. In that moment, the word encapsulated everything from the immediate need for a coffee to the deeper desires of life. By the time they left the café, both felt a renewed sense of purpose. They hadn’t just talked about what they wanted—they had also discussed what they were willing to do to make those wants a reality.
