Need definition and meaning
Need definition: If you need something, or need to do something, you cannot successfully achieve what you… | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples
Word forms:
needs
,
needing
,
needed
language note:
Need sometimes behaves like an ordinary verb, for example ‘She needs to know’ and
‘She doesn’t need to know’ and sometimes like a modal, for example ‘No-one need know,’
‘She needn’t know,’ or, in more formal English, ‘She need not know.’
1.
transitive verb
[
no cont
]
need
something, or
need
to
do something, you cannot successfully achieve what you want or live properly without
it.
He desperately needed money.
I need to make a phone call.
I need you to do something for me.
I need you here, Wally.
2.
transitive verb
[
no cont
]
needs
something done to it, that action should be done to improve the object or place.
If a task
needs
doing, it should be done to improve a particular situation.
The building needs quite a few repairs.
…a garden that needs tidying.
3.
singular noun
need
for
something, that thing would improve a situation or something cannot happen without
it.
Mr. Forrest believes there is a need for other similar schools throughout the country.
“I think we should see a specialist.”—”I don’t think there’s any need for that.”
4.
transitive verb
[
with neg
]
need
to
do something, you are telling them not to do it, or advising or suggesting that they
should not do it.
Well, for Heaven’s sake, you don’t need to apologize.
5.
transitive verb
[
no cont, with neg
]
need
to
do something, or that something
need
not happen, you are telling them that that thing is not necessary, in order to make
them feel better.
He replied, with a reassuring smile, “Oh, you don’t need to worry about them.”
6.
transitive verb
[
no cont
]
don’t need
to
when you are giving someone permission not to do something.
You don’t need to wait for me.
7.
modal verb
[
with neg
]
needn’t
have
done something, they didn’t need to do it.
She could have made the sandwich herself; her mother needn’t have bothered to do
anything.
I was a little nervous when I announced my engagement to Grace, but I needn’t have
worried.
8.
transitive verb
[
no cont, with neg
]
didn’t need to
do something, it wasn’t necessary or useful for them to do it, although they did
it.
You didn’t need to give me any more money you know, but thank you.
9.
modal verb
need
in expressions such as
I need hardly say
and
I needn’t add
to emphasize that the person you are talking to already knows what you are going
to say.
[
emphasis
]
I needn’t add that if you fail to do as I ask, you will suffer the consequences.
10.
See
in need
11.
See
in need of
12.
See
if need be
need
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary
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