Definition and meaning of English word "need"
need
/niːd/
Meaning
VerbTo have an absolute requirement for.
How to use
The verb 'need' is commonly used in everyday English to express a necessity or requirement for something. It often appears in the present simple tense to discuss general or habitual needs, such as 'I need to work tomorrow.' A common learner mistake is using 'need' with the infinitive without 'to', which is incorrect; the correct form is 'need to' + base form of the verb.
🇬🇧 English
need
Example
I need help
You need water
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- need help— need help
- need to know— need to know
- meet needs— meet needs
More Core Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #393 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "need" mean?▼
The English word "need" means "need" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "need"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "need" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "need"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I need help" (which translates as "need").
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