Difference Between Need and Want

Need vs Want
 

Although it is true that need and want are two terms used in describing any economic situation, there are differences between the two. The two terms are often used in expressions that convey the sense of acquiring things. This is the reason they are confused as interchangeable. Simply a need can be understood as a necessity for survival, without which one’s survival is in question. However, a want is something that an individual desires very much. This does not pose any threat to one’s survival. Through this article let us examine the differences between a need and a want.

What is a Need?

A need is something that is necessary for the survival of a person. If the need is not available, then you may find it extremely difficult to survive. Hygienic water is a need for the survival of man. This is so because without water he cannot survive for sure. Hence, it is one of the needs along with shelter and clothing. Shelter and clothing are considered to be basic needs for survival. Needs are essentials for existence; If there is scarcity for your basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, then your survival is challenged. However, the human nature is such that when their basic needs and wants are satisfied, other wants will arise; the human wants are unlimited. The satisfaction of one want leads to another.

What is a Want?

A want indicates something that a person wishes or desires to possess. In the case of a want, a person may need it either now or sometime later. It is hence understood that you can still continue to exist even in case you do not get the want that you desired to possess. This is the major difference between a need and a want. A need is essential for your survival, but a want is not. If the need is not available, then you may find it extremely difficult to survive. But a want does not pose this challenge.

For example, if you wish to have a Rolex watch then it is almost a desire to possess it and hence the desire to possess a Rolex watch is what is called a want. You can still survive if you do not get it. Wants are forever changing. In most cases, people do not cling on to these and change their wants in different situations. For example, what a person desires as a child may be completely different to what he desires as an adult. Even in this case what a person desires today, maybe completely different to what he desires tomorrow.

Unlike needs that are essentials for existence and poses a threat to survival if challenged, wants do not challenge one’s survival. The fulfillment of a want, however, can bring about satisfaction. This highlights that a want and a need are two different things, and should not be confused.

What is the difference between Need and Want?

• Definitions of Need and Want:

• 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.

• 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.

• Connection:

• When basic needs are satisfied, wants will arise.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Water via Pixabay (Public Domain)
2. Rolex Daytona stainless steel by Jalo (CC BY-SA 3.0)