ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wants

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈwɑnts// UK //wˈɒnts// wants

n. the things you would like to have but do not strictly need to survive. You use this word to talk about desires rather than basic needs like food or water.

n. desires or requirements for things that are not essential for survival. Often used in plural form to contrast with 'needs' in economic or psychological contexts.


SIMPLE

She has many wants but very few needs.

CONTEXTUAL

The financial advisor helped the couple distinguish between their basic living expenses and their personal wants.

COMPLEX

A sophisticated marketing strategy often focuses on transforming consumer wants into perceived needs through emotional storytelling and brand identification.

Synonyms
Usage

Almost always used in the plural form when referring to desires or economic demands.

Pitfall

The child has many wantThe child has many wantsWhen used as a noun to mean desires, it is a countable noun and usually requires the plural form in this context.

Idioms1 entry

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