Is there a difference between a need and a want?

Answer 1

The answer to that can actually be yes or no. In current usage when we say "I want something", we mean we wish to have it, but we can get along without it fine. When we say "I need it" (if we are being truthful and not calling a wish a need), then we mean that it is necessary to us. Of course, in current usage, we often use one word to mean the other.

But let's hop back in history a bit to the 23rd Psalm in the Authorized Version of the Bible in the 1600's.

This poem starts out

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

In this case, and in proper usage of the time that want carried the meaning of "need". It might be re-translated to say "The Lord is my shepherd, and he shall provide everything I need".

Or,

"I shall lack nothing that I need".

So,

both need and want carry the primary meaning of something that is lacking--and usage (is it a simple desire that I can do without or is it important and necessary to my life) determines whether or not they need the same thing.

But originally it carried more the weight and force of need.

Interesting question.

Answer 2

i think so..of course a need can seem to become a want, or vice versa (the mind is a POWERFUL thing)... but in general, i would say a Need is something basic that we need to live: air, water, food, shelter. a WANT however..whooo that's another story. it is something we as humans desire, whether it be good for us or bad for us is the problem. for example, someone may become addicted to drugs and WANT it all the time..altho it's bad for the body and will probably add negativity to ur life. you may THINK u need it...but there are people who go around w/o drugs who are just fine, so it's not a basic "need" to continue living. BUT if you are continuously wanting something that positively effects your life and others (such as learning, or always helping someone in need), it can add positivity to your life. one of the problems is having that want to add good, positive and healthy things to our lives, instead of the easy route of wanting selfish, negative things. once we condition our minds to change our Wants of good things into Needs to do things, i think the world can be a better place..and now i'm off topic cuz that wasn't really the original question!! :)

Answer 3

Yes. A need is something necessary to your survival or perhaps to your development as a person. (Air, water, heat, food, sleep, health, human contact, etc.) A want is anything else. (A fancy house, candy, anything at a shopping mall, a convertible.)

An example: Henry David Thoreau built himself a cabin in the woods. He wanted to live as simply as possible. One day he was writing at his desk and he looked at a rock that he was using as a paperweight. He realized he didn't need it, so he threw it out the window.

Answer 4

Definition of NEED: A condition or situation in which something is required or wanted. Definition of WANT: To desire greatly; wish for. I guess sometimes there's a difference. You can need or require something & want or desire it as well. But then you could need or require something but not want, or desire it at all.

Answer 5

I need to breathe air, consume food and water....

I want a Ferrari F430 F1 Spider

Answer 6

A need is something you must obtain in order to survive, a want is something you desire but could do without.

Answer 7

I need food, I want chocolate.
I need a roof over my head, I want a big house with a swimming pool.
I need water, I want beer.

Answer 8

Needs are based upon survival, wants are anything beyond that.

Answer 9

yes, a want is unnecessary, just a desire...(more clothes)
a need is necessary, something you can't survive without... (food)

Answer 10

want is what you do when you have no money, need is what you do when you have no water!