Need:
A need is the thing which is a must in order to survive. The basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothes etc. The needs are divided into two types: subjective and objective.
Want:
Want is the thing which the person desires to have but could survive without it. It is not the necessity. It is related with emotions rather than practical.
Differences:
| Basis | Need | Want |
|---|---|---|
| Definition (www.oxforddictionaries.com) |
Require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable | Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for |
| Synonyms | Demand, poverty, shortage, hunger, must, neediness | Hunger, absence, deficiency, require, indigence, absence |
| Antonyms | Comfort, luxury, option, eliminate, wealth, plenty | Excess, enjoy, deal, wealth, adequacy, heap |
| Types | The types of need according to Maslow are:
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Its types are:
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| Word origin | The word need was originated from Old English nēodian (verb), nēod, nēd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nood and German Not ‘danger’. | The word want was originated from Middle English: the noun from Old Norse vant, neuter of vanr ‘lacking’; the verb from Old Norse vanta ‘be lacking’. The original notion of ‘lack’ was early extended to ‘need’ and from this developed the sense ‘desire’. |
| Survival and Desire | A need is something that is necessary for the survival of a person. | A want indicates something that a person wishes or desires to possess. |
| Nature | Needs are essentials for existence; If there is scarcity for your basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, then your survival is challenged. | Wants give satisfaction when fulfilled, but then your survival is not challenged. |
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| Common examples | Food, housing, clothing | Buying expensive clothes, Eating out at a fancy expensive restaurant. |
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