A need is a physical or psychological requirement for the survival of an organism. This may include a basic need for food, water or shelter to survive and more complex needs such as self-esteem or emotional security. The term can also be used to describe the desire for certain things, such as love, power or money.
Some researchers study the needs of organisms, particularly human beings and animals. This area of study is called biology. For example, scientists who study the needs of human beings are known as psychologists.
People often think about their own needs and wants, especially when they are considering buying something or needing a specific service. The most common way to use the word need is to talk about what you need in your life, such as a house or car. Other times, the word is used to describe a person’s emotions or feelings, such as needing a hug or a friend.
There are many different definitions of need. One popular academic model of need was proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. His theory suggests that humans have a hierarchy of needs, starting with basic physiological needs (e.g., food, water) and moving up to higher psychological needs such as belonging and esteem. Maslow’s model is widely accepted and has influenced theories of human motivation.
A need can also refer to an activity that someone must perform, such as taking medication or getting a haircut. Another definition of need is a requirement that must be met before an activity can take place. For example, if you want to travel abroad, you must get a passport before you can go on the trip.
In general, you can say that a need is more important than a want, but this depends on the situation. For example, if you are camping in the middle of the desert without any food or water, you may need to drink a lot of water to stay alive. However, if you just want to hang out with some friends, then drinking water might not be your biggest need.
The word need can be a part of a longer phrase, such as “I need to find a job” or “I need to learn to cook” (both of which are also needs). When used this way, the word need is plural and is treated as a singular noun. The article the is used when both you and your reader/listener know that you are talking about a specific need.
The word need can be used in sentences that require a short answer or statement. For example, you can say, “I need to find a new apartment,” or, “I need to buy a new car.” The difference between need and want is that needs are static and permanent while wants change from day to day, such as the need for water and the need for a new apartment. Needs also tend to be more concrete than wants, as in the need for a roof over your head and not the want for a luxury vacation.