26984 words

needing

8 definitions • 24 examples
1
present participle of
2
to have to have something, or to want something very much:

Examples:

Babies need constant care.
The doctor said I needed an operation.
[ + to infinitive ] I need to go to the toilet.
Most people need to feel loved.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] I need you to help me choose an outfit.
I badly need (= strongly want) a rest from all this.
informal I don't need all this hassle.
3
If you say that someone or something needs something else, you mean that they should have it, or would get an advantage from having it:

Examples:

What you need is a nice hot bowl of soup.
[ + -ing verb ] This room needs cleaning.
[ + past participle ] She needs her hair washed.
4
to have (to):

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] He needs to lose some weight.
I need to do some shopping on my way home from work.
There needs to be more effort from everyone.
[ + infinitive without to ] I don't think we need ask him.
Nothing need be done about this till next week.
formal "Need we take your mother?" "No, we needn't."
5
there is no reason for someone or something to do a particular thing:

Examples:

You needn't worry - I'm not going to mention it to anyone.
It's a wonderful way of getting to see Italy, and it needn't cost very much.
6
used, often when you are angry with someone, to say that they should not do a particular thing or that they have no right to do it:

Examples:

He needn't think I'm driving him all the way there!
You needn't laugh! It'll be your turn next!
7
used to say either that someone did a particular thing although they did not have to, or that someone did not do it because they did not have to:

Examples:

I gave her some extra money - I know I didn't need to but I thought it would be kind.
"Did you ask Sophia to help?" "I didn't need to - I managed perfectly well on my own."
8
it was not necessary for someone to have done a particular thing, although they did do it:

Examples:

You needn't have washed all those dishes, you know - I'd have done them myself when I got home.
You needn't have worried about the dinner - it was delicious!

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