want

Use this forum to suggest Good Words for Professor Beard.
gwray
Lexiterian
Posts: 124
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 10:36 am

want

Postby gwray » Fri Mar 13, 2015 4:21 pm

It is a short word but open to confusion. It is frequently used as a synonym for desire but I would like to explore a meaning similar to "lack" and "need". When does "want" become "need"? Does "I want a reliable car" differ in meaning from "I need a reliable car"? Does the meaning of the former example change with context. "I would apply for the job of delivery person, but I want a reliable car"?

Other examples: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Watching his nephew's boisterous behaviour, William thought they wanted discipline.

Maureen thought her daughter's bohemian boyfriend was a vast improvement on his predecessors even though the aspiring actor wanted steady employment.

My husband loved the romantic comedy, but I found it wanting.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver Proverbs 25:11

Perry Lassiter
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Re: want

Postby Perry Lassiter » Sat Mar 14, 2015 5:23 pm

Also: to be in want/need.
In the other sense of desire, the obvious difference is intensity. Right now with car fever, I want a new car. Many years ago when a wheel bent off my car, I needed one.
pl

eberntson
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Re: want

Postby eberntson » Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:05 pm

"Want" always bring to mind one of my favorite books and quotes...

'Spirit. are they yours.' Scrooge could say no more.
'They are Man's,' said the Spirit, looking down upon
them.

'And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers.
This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both,
and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy,
for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the
writing be erased. Deny it.' cried the Spirit, stretching out
its hand towards the city. 'Slander those who tell it ye.
Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse.
And abide the end.'

~~A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
EBERNTSON
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more,
and all good things will be yours.
--R. Burns


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