Cool MateWant
UK /["/wɒnt/","/wɒnts/","/ˈwɒntɪd/","/ˈwɒntɪŋ/"]/US /["/wɑːnt/","/wɑːnts/","/ˈwɑːntɪd/","/ˈwɑːntɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to have a desire or a wish for something/somebody
In simple words: to desire or wish for something
Examples
- I want to eat pizza for dinner.
- Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
- She wants a new bike for her birthday.
- He wants to learn how to play the guitar.
- They want to travel to Europe next summer.
- I want to stay home and read a book.
Usage notes
Use 'want' in everyday conversations to express desires. It is appropriate in most contexts but may sound too direct in very formal situations. For example, saying 'I want a promotion' might be better expressed as 'I would like a promotion' in a job interview.
Grammar pattern
want + object
Memory hint
Think of 'want' as 'wand' — imagine waving a magic wand to get what you desire.
Collocations
- badly
- desperately
- really
- all you want
- exactly what you want
- just what you want
Synonyms
- be short of
Antonyms
- dislike
- refuse
- reject
Common mistakes
- Using 'want' with gerunds incorrectly, e.g., 'I want going.' should be 'I want to go.'
- Confusing 'want' with 'need' — 'need' expresses necessity, while 'want' shows desire.
- Overusing 'want' in formal writing instead of more polite alternatives like 'would like' or 'desire.'