I want

/aɪ wɑnt/

express a desire

I want a glass of water.

This phrase is used to clearly state a desire or need.

neutral

To have a desire to possess or do something.

I want to go to the park this afternoon.

This expresses a personal desire to visit the park.

She wants a new phone for her birthday.

This indicates a specific desire for a birthday gift.

Used for direct statements of desire, often in informal or neutral contexts.

Collocations

I want toexpressed desire to do somethingI want you todesire for someone else to do something

Synonyms

I need I would like I desire I wish

Antonyms

I don't want I refuse I reject

Related Phrases

I wishphrase

to express a hope or desire, often unattainable

I feel likephrase

to express a desire based on a feeling

Pro Tip

Politeness Tip

In formal or polite contexts, use 'I would like' instead of 'I want' to sound more courteous. For example, 'I would like a coffee' is more polite than 'I want a coffee.'

Gold Rule

Directness Rule

Use 'I want' in informal settings with people you know well. Avoid it in professional or unfamiliar settings to prevent sounding rude.

Word Origin

Combination of the first-person pronoun 'I' (Old English 'ic') and the verb 'want' (from Old Norse 'vanta', meaning 'to lack'). The phrase evolved in Middle English to express desire.

Usage Notes

This phrase is straightforward and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It can sound direct or demanding in some contexts, so softer alternatives like 'I would like' may be preferred in polite situations.

Word Breakdown

first-person singular pronoun

pronoun

want

to have a desire to possess or do something

verb

English Dictionary

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