Word
wanted
Phoneticswant·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɔntɪd/
UK/wˈɒntɪd/
Definitions
01past tense of want
A1 · Beginner
v. the past form of 'want', used when you felt a desire for something in the past.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'want', indicating a past desire or requirement.
“When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut.”
“The researchers wanted to investigate the long-term effects of the policy, but they lacked the necessary funding to complete the study.”
Usage
Regular past form of 'want'.
02desired or sought after
B1 · Intermediate
adj. something that people wish to have or that is in high demand.
adj. desired, wished for, or sought after by others.
Español:deseado
“This vintage car is a very wanted item among collectors.”
“The position became one of the most wanted roles in the company due to the generous travel allowance and flexible hours.”
03sought by police
B1 · Intermediate Law
adj. searched for by the police because of a crime.
adj. sought for questioning or arrest by law enforcement authorities.
“The man was wanted for a robbery that happened last year.”
“The suspect was wanted in connection with several high-profile fraud cases across the European Union.”
Usage
Often used in the passive construction 'to be wanted for' or 'to be wanted by'.
Etymology
From want + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/wanted
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0