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- pronunciation:
- want
- parts of speech:
- verb, noun
- features:
- Word Explorer
part of speech: |
verb |
inflections: |
wants, wanting, wanted |
definition 1: |
When you want something, you don't have it now, but you think it would be good to have it. It would make you happy or help you in some way. Usually, when you want something, you try to get it or you hope someone will give it to you. Sometimes when you want something, you feel like you will not be happy if you don't get it.
Tina loves pancakes, and she always wants them for breakfast.The little boy wanted a toy in the store, and he cried when his mom wouldn't buy it for him.- synonyms:
- desire, wish
- similar words:
- long for
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definition 2: |
When you want to do something, you have a wish or desire to do it.
Ella wants to study medicine when she grows up.Max wants to have a party for Halloween.- synonyms:
- desire, wish
- similar words:
- ask, demand, prefer, request
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definition 3: |
When the police want someone, it means that they are trying to find them in order to arrest them.
The police want the two men for robbing a bank in the next town, but they can't find where the men are hiding.The two women are wanted by the police in Canada.- synonyms:
- seek
- similar words:
- chase, hunt, pursue, search
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definition 4: |
If you want for something, you don't have it but you need it.
After the terrible flood, many people wanted for clean water, food, and shelter.- similar words:
- demand, wish
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related words: |
ache, aspire, care, long |
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part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
When you have a want, you have a desire or need.
The parents provide for the wants of their children.- synonyms:
- necessity, need
- similar words:
- demand, desire, hope, longing, mind, requirement
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definition 2: |
When someone is weak for want of food, it means that they are weak because they do not have enough food. A want is a lack of something.
Mrs. Ellis is sad for want of friendship. Since she moved away from her old neighborhood, she has been lonely.- synonyms:
- absence, lack, need
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definition 3: |
When you are in want of something, you are in need of it.
The patient had been in bed for weeks, and his muscles were in want of exercise now.The children always seemed to be in want of new shoes.- synonyms:
- need
- similar words:
- desire, hope, longing, wish
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related words: |
absence, appetite, need, thirst, trouble |
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