Main entry: need, motivation, motive
Definition: the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
Usage: we did not understand his motivation; he acted with the best of motives
Definition: anything that is necessary but lacking
Usage: he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs; I tried to supply his wants
Definition: a condition requiring relief
Usage: she satisfied his need for affection; God has no need of men to accomplish His work; there is a demand for jobs
Main entry: indigence, need, pauperism, pauperization, penury
Definition: a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Usage: their indigence appalled him; a general state of need exists among the homeless
Main entry: want, need, require
Definition: have need of
Usage: This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner
Main entry: need
Definition: have or feel a need for
Usage: always needing friends and money
Main entry: take, necessitate, need, ask, require, postulate, call for, involve, demand
Definition: require as useful, just, or proper
Usage: It takes nerve to do what she did; success usually requires hard work; This job asks a lot of patience and skill; This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice; This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert; This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent