Dictionary
need
Pronunciation: (nēd), [key]—
n.
1. a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation:
There is no need for you to go there.
2. a lack of something wanted or deemed necessary:
to fulfill the needs of the assignment.
3. urgent want, as of something requisite:
He has no need of your charity.
4. necessity arising from the circumstances of a situation or case:
There is no need to worry.
5. a situation or time of difficulty; exigency:
to help a friend in need; to be a friend in need.
6. a condition marked by the lack of something requisite:
the need for leadership.
7. destitution; extreme poverty:
The family's need is acute.
8. if need be, should the necessity arise:
If need be, I can type the letters myself.
—
v.t.
to have need of; require:
to need money.
—
v.i.
1. to be under an obligation (used as an auxiliary, typically in an interrogative or in a negative statement, and fol. by infinitive, in certain cases without
to; in the 3d pers. sing. the form is
need, not
needs):
He need not go.
2. to be in need or want.
3. to be necessary:
There needs no apology. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
