want
WONT
/wɒnt/
The state of lacking something desired or needed; a deficiency or shortage; extreme poverty.
As a noun, 'want' can mean a desire, but when used in the context of poverty, it specifically means a severe lack of necessities. It's a more archaic or literary term for poverty.
The story behind the word. The word 'want' comes from the Old Norse 'vanta,' meaning 'to lack' or 'to be deficient.' It entered English around the 12th century, initially meaning 'lack' or 'deficiency.' Over time, it also developed the sense of 'desire,' but its original meaning of 'lack' persists, especially in formal or literary contexts when referring to poverty or the absence of necessities.
Word relationships
- lack: General term for absence or deficiency.
- privation: More formal, emphasizing the absence of essential comforts and necessities.
- abundance: A very large quantity of something.
- plenty: A large or sufficient amount or quantity; more than enough.
Commonly confused with
- desire: As a noun, 'want' can mean desire, but in the context of poverty, it means a severe lack of necessities.
Word family
- wanting (adjective): Lacking in a certain required or desired quality.
Collocations
- in want
- for want of
- suffer want
- lack and want
Idioms & expressions
- for want of a better word
- want for nothing
Example sentences
- "The villagers suffered greatly from cold and want, with no food and inadequate shelter." Describing the conditions during a famine.
- "Society has a moral obligation to ensure that no one lives in want of basic human needs." From a classic text on social justice.
Memory hook
Think of 'WANT' as 'WANTing for food' – a direct link to lacking basic needs. Wanting for food
When not to use
In modern general conversation, 'want' primarily means 'desire.' For poverty, it's usually used in more formal or fixed phrases like 'in want' or 'for want of.'
Fun facts
- The dual meaning of 'want' (desire vs. lack) can sometimes lead to confusion, but context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
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