It is a short word but open to confusion. It is frequently used as a synonym for desire but I would like to explore a meaning similar to "lack" and "need". When does "want" become "need"? Does "I want a reliable car" differ in meaning from "I need a reliable car"? Does the meaning of the former example change with context. "I would apply for the job of delivery person, but I want a reliable car"?
Other examples: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Watching his nephew's boisterous behaviour, William thought they wanted discipline.
Maureen thought her daughter's bohemian boyfriend was a vast improvement on his predecessors even though the aspiring actor wanted steady employment.
My husband loved the romantic comedy, but I found it wanting.
want
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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Re: want
Also: to be in want/need.
In the other sense of desire, the obvious difference is intensity. Right now with car fever, I want a new car. Many years ago when a wheel bent off my car, I needed one.
In the other sense of desire, the obvious difference is intensity. Right now with car fever, I want a new car. Many years ago when a wheel bent off my car, I needed one.
pl
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- Lexiterian
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Re: want
"Want" always bring to mind one of my favorite books and quotes...
'Spirit. are they yours.' Scrooge could say no more.
'Spirit. are they yours.' Scrooge could say no more.
'They are Man's,' said the Spirit, looking down upon
them.
'And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers.
This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both,
and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy,
for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the
writing be erased. Deny it.' cried the Spirit, stretching out
its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye.
Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse.
And abide the end.'
~~A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
EBERNTSON
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns
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