A need is a situation in which a person is dependent on a particular good or service in order to live. Without that need, that person could suffer from disease or even death. Depending on the context, needs can be either physical or psychological. Some examples of needs include food, water, shelter, and safety.
In English, need often serves as an auxiliary verb. It is used in present-tense questions, negations, and conditional clauses. Although it is rarely used in informal speech, it is an important part of formal language. When used as an auxiliary verb, need can be followed by a present participle or by the past participle alone. In some dialects, the word is not followed by a participle.
The word need is derived from the Old English words nead or necesitate. These words stem from Proto-Germanic *naut and *naudiz, respectively. Both are related to the word naudiz, which means “dead.” The word nead is also a derivative of the Proto-Indo-Germanic *nAw-.
In 1943, Abraham Maslow outlined a hierarchy of needs, starting with basic physiological needs, and eventually progressing to higher-order needs. In this hierarchy, the needs are ranked from the least important to the highest, and they increase in complexity. Once the lower levels are met, a person can move on to the higher levels of the pyramid. As we progress upwards, these needs are more complex, psychological, and social. At the top, Maslow emphasizes personal esteem and feelings of accomplishment, which he referred to as self-actualization.
When planning your budget, it’s important to prioritize your needs before your wants. First, you must eat and sleep. Once you have done that, you can use the remaining funds for the things that you want. By doing this, you will be able to identify your priorities in terms of your basic needs and prioritize them over those of your wants.
The concept of need has several ramifications, but the underlying principle is that human beings have an innate need for physical health and the capacity to choose their own path. As such, the definition of a need varies depending on the context in which it occurs. For example, an individual may have a physical health need that requires a high level of mental health. Another common need is the need to engage in social activity.
As you create your list of personal needs, keep in mind your own interests and activities. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, you may want to take up cooking classes or learn to paint. Or you may want to develop an interest in writing a new book, or you might want to spend money on a painting hobby. Whatever your need, a needs assessment can help you identify the pattern of your behavior.
Need-based financial aid is not always guaranteed. Some colleges will award you a certain amount of need-based financial aid, while others may award money based on the major you choose. To maximize your chances of getting financial aid, start applying early. You’ll need to complete a FAFSA.