A need is a desire, urge or craving that is fundamental to an individual’s well-being. It is generally distinguished from a want, which is a discretionary or optional request or expectation. The concept of need is a central topic in many academic fields, including philosophy, biology, psychology, sociology, economics and political science.
A person’s need may vary depending on their circumstances, culture and personality. A common framework for understanding needs is the Maslow hierarchy of needs, which explains the different requirements that humans have in order to thrive and reach their full potential.
The English noun need is used as a verb, a noun, and a preposition. As a noun, it means something that is necessary and essential for a person’s survival: water, food, air, shelter, etc. It can also refer to the psychological need for affection, belonging, and self-esteem that people experience in relationships. The word need can also describe an individual’s level of satisfaction with a particular situation: I’m in dire need of a vacation.
When referring to a specific item, the noun need can be either countable or uncountable. If the noun is a specific quantity, such as an exam or a package, then it is a countable noun and requires the article “a” or “the.” However, if the noun is a non-specific amount, such as water or concentration, then it is uncountable and does not require the article.
Uncountable nouns often have irregular plural forms and are referred to simply by their names (water, rain, love). For example, the word concentration cannot be split into singular and plural, so it is considered an uncountable noun and does not use an article.
Similarly, the phrase I need to is used as a verb, a preposition and an adjective. If you are unsure of how to use a particular phrase, it is best to consult a grammar book or online resources for clarification.
The noun need can be a synonym for a want or a requirement, but it is most commonly used to describe an essential human need. Need is a more emotive and stronger word than requirement, which has more of an impersonal tone.
The noun need can also be used to describe the societal needs of a group or community, such as the need for education. These types of needs are often discussed in terms of their social impact and the implications for equity and justice. Another approach to the study of need is through the capabilities theory of development, developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum. They argue that human needs can be met through a combination of rational identification, consideration of the actual experiences of individuals in everyday life, and democratic decision-making. They also point out that individuals who possess more internal “capabilities” (e.g., skills, health, and wealth) are able to fulfill more of their needs. This is often referred to as a “needs-based” approach to development. This is often a more politically appealing and realistic way of discussing human needs than the more theoretical anthropological approaches to need.