want

want1 [ want ] verb transitive ***

1. ) to feel that you would like to have, keep, or do something:

Do you still want these old letters?

want something for something: What do you want for your birthday?

want to do something: Liz wants to see the circus.

a ) to feel that you would like someone to do something or would like something to happen:

want someone/something to do something: Her parents didn't want her to marry him.

want something of/from someone: I wish I knew exactly what they wanted of me.

want something done: Mrs. Miller wants the entire house repainted.

b ) to feel that you would like someone or something to be in a particular place or doing a particular job:

I want those boxes out of the living room by tomorrow!

We want Stephen as chairman.

c ) to ask for someone because you would like to see or speak to them:

Mom wants you she's in the kitchen.

You're wanted on the telephone.

The principal wants you in her office after school.

2. ) MAINLY BRITISH to need something:

We desperately want rain.

You won't want much money on a camping trip.

a ) BRITISH if something wants doing, it needs to be done:

This bill wants paying.

b ) BRITISH INFORMAL to deserve something:

That rascal! He wants a good kick up the backside!

3. ) SPOKEN used for telling someone what they should do:

You want to take Pine Street it's faster.

4. ) to feel that you would like to have sex with someone:

She wanted him more than ever.

all someone wants SPOKEN

used for saying that someone's needs or requests are reasonable:

All I want is the truth.

All they wanted to do was play football.

be/have everything someone wants

to have all the qualities that someone thinks a particular person or thing should have:

He's everything I've ever wanted in a boyfriend.

do you want something? SPOKEN

1. ) used for offering something to someone, or for asking them if they would like to do something:

Do you want a cup of coffee?

2. ) used for threatening someone with something:

Do you want a slap?

Do you want me to call the police?

have someone just where you want them

used for saying you are happy with the situation that someone is in because it gives you power over them, or will help you to get something you want from them

if you want INFORMAL

1. ) used for offering to do something:

I'll make some coffee if you want.

2. ) used for giving permission or agreeing with a suggestion that someone has made:

Should we go next week? Yeah, if you want.

Can I come with you? If you want.

if you want my advice/opinion SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that you are giving someone your honest advice/opinion, perhaps without being asked for it:

If you want my opinion, you'd be mad to marry him.

I want...

used as a direct and rather rude way of asking for something. The polite phrase is I would like... :

I want a cookie. Ask nicely, please (=you won't get things unless you ask politely)!

I want to say/thank/tell etc. SPOKEN

used for introducing something that you are about to say, especially at the start of a speech:

I want to say how pleased I am to receive this award.

I want to thank you all for being here.

I wanted... SPOKEN

used for politely introducing something that you are going to say to someone, especially if it is quick or informal:

I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your singing.

I just wanted to ask if you were feeling better?

I just wanted you to know how grateful I am.

just what I (have always) wanted

used for saying you are pleased with a present. This phrase is sometimes used in a humorous way to show that you really think the present is not very nice or useful:

Thanks again for the book, it's just what I wanted.

Eyelash curlers? Hmm...just what I've always wanted!

not want to be/appear/sound etc. SPOKEN

used for making what you are going to say seem less rude or extreme:

I don't want to seem rude, she said, but I was hoping to travel on my own.

Without wanting to pry (=don't think I am trying to ask personal questions, but), how long have you been going out with him?

want nothing more (than) MAINLY LITERARY

used for showing that someone's hopes or wishes are reasonable:

They wanted nothing more than to relax and spend their time together.

what does someone want with something?

used for saying that you cannot understand why someone wants the thing mentioned:

What do you want with that old tire?

what do you want? IMPOLITE

used for asking someone why they need to speak to you or see you:

I'm a busy woman, what do you want?

Who are you? he demanded angrily. And, what do you want?

who wants (to do) something?

1. ) used for offering something to a group of people:

Who wants another glass of wine?

2. ) used for showing that you expect someone to support your opinion, usually by giving a negative answer to your question:

Who wants to sit around waiting for ages in the dentist's office? Not me.

you want/don't want to do something SPOKEN

used for advising or warning someone that they should/should not do something:

You want to be careful, I think you've drunk too much.

You don't want to go there alone.

=> WASTE 2

`want for phrasal verb transitive

want for something to not have everything you need:

She will want for money, now that she lost her job.

a. want for nothing FORMAL to have everything that you need:

I have always tried to make sure that my children want for nothing.

,want `in phrasal verb intransitive INFORMAL

1. ) to wish to enter a place:

I think the cat wants in.

2. ) to wish to take part in a situation, plan, or activity:

This is the last time I'm asking you do you want in or not?

,want `out phrasal verb intransitive INFORMAL

1. ) to wish to leave a place:

Would you open the door? The dog wants out.

She wanted out of the jail cell so badly she started to scream.

2. ) to wish to leave a situation or relationship and no longer be involved in it:

Malcolm wanted out of his job.

Stephanie is fed up with her husband. She just wants out of the marriage.

want

want 2 [ want ] noun *

1. ) count or uncount FORMAL a lack of something:

want of: His illness was caused by overwork and want of sleep.

Their work reveals a want of skill.

a ) uncount a lack of money, food, and other things someone needs to live: POVERTY:

They were living in obvious want and squalor.

2. ) wants plural things that you want or need:

This system has been designed to supply all your wants.

wants and needs: We aim to satisfy our customers' wants and needs.

for want of a better word/phrase/term

used for saying that you cannot think of a more exact way of describing or explaining what you mean:

They were worried about, for want of a better word, competition from other charities.

for want of something FORMAL

because someone lacks something:

She could not make the trip for want of money.

not for (the) want of trying

used for emphasizing that although someone did not get what they wanted, they tried very hard to get it:

The Rangers failed to score a goal, but it was not for want of trying.