need: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/nid/·NEED

Need (verb) means to require something because it is important or necessary.

What does “need” mean?

  1. 1

    verbto require something because it is important or necessary

    I need a new pair of shoes.
  2. 2

    nouna situation where something is necessary or wanted

    There’s no need to shout.

Need at a glance

Part of speech
verb & noun
CEFR level
A1 (beginner)
Pronunciation
/nid/ · NEED

How to use “need” correctly

Use “to” before another verb: “You need to rest.” “Don’t need to” means it is not necessary.

Common phrases with “need”

  • need to do sth
  • in need
  • no need to
  • meet a need

Word family

  • needy
  • needless
  • unneeded

“need” is on these word lists

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