What does “need” mean?
- 1
verbto require something because it is important or necessary
I need a new pair of shoes.
- 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
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Word family
- needy
- needless
- unneeded