
wants
词源
源自古英语'wanian'(减少),后演变为中古英语'wanten'(缺乏),最终发展为现代英语表示'想要'和'需要'的双重含义。
verb
❶ 表示希望或渴望拥有某物或做某事,通常带有主动寻求的意味。可用于正式或日常场合,主语可以是人或机构。
“She wants a new bicycle for her birthday.”
(她想要一辆新自行车作为生日礼物。)
“The company wants to expand its market in Asia.”
(这家公司希望扩大其在亚洲的市场。)
❶ 表示需要或缺乏某物,强调必要性而非单纯愿望,常与否定式连用。
“This plant wants water to survive.”
(这株植物需要水分才能存活。)
“The report wants proper evidence to support its claims.”
(这份报告缺乏足够的证据来支持其主张。)
noun
❶ 指某人希望得到的事物或状态,常用复数形式表示多种需求或愿望。
“The store can satisfy all your wants.”
(这家商店能满足你所有的需求。)
“His wants are simple: a good book and a cup of tea.”
(他的需求很简单:一本好书和一杯茶。)
常见短语
for want of — 由于缺乏某物而导致某种结果,多用于书面或正式表达中。
“The project failed for want of funding.”
(这个项目因缺乏资金而失败。)
want ad — 报纸或网站上刊登的招聘或求购广告,属于美式英语常用表达。
“She found her job through a want ad in the local newspaper.”
(她通过当地报纸上的招聘广告找到了工作。)