lack、need、want与require这些动词均有“缺少、短少”之意。
lack : 指完全短缺或数量不足。
- He just lacks a little confidence.
他只是有点缺乏自信。 - What we lack in this house is space to store things.
我们这所房子缺少的是储物空间。 - We are lacking three members of staff due to illness.
我们有3人因病缺席。
need : 语气较重，指需要必不可少的东西，强调急需。
- Babies need constant care.
婴儿时刻都需要人照看。 - The doctor said I needed an operation.
医生说我需要动手术。 - I need to go to the toilet.
我要去一下洗手间。 - Most people need to feel loved.
大多数人都需要有被爱的感觉。
want : 侧重缺少某种必需之物，或个人渴望得到的东西。
- I want some chocolate.
我想要些巧克力。 - She wants a meeting with you.
她想跟你见面。 - He's everything you'd ever want in a man - bright, funny and attractive.
他具备你理想中男人的所有特质——聪明、风趣而又有魅力。
require : 使用广泛，语气较轻。强调急需时可与need换用，但有时暗示所需的人或物是完成某一任务必不可少的。
- Please call this number if you require any further information.
如需更多信息请拨此电话号码垂询。 - Skiing at 80 miles per hour requires total concentration.
以每小时80英里的速度滑雪需要全神贯注。 - You are required by law to stop your car after an accident.
法律规定，发生事故后必须停车。
