Differentiate between needs and wants

one answer: "Want" refers to what you absolutely have to have and "need" refers to something that you don't really lust for -- but you just need it. A need is a necessity. another answer: a "want" refers to something that you would prefer to have, what you see as a good rather than a bad. A "need" refers to something that is absolutely necessary to your health (both physical and mental). You may not want to eat salt or take insulin (if you have Diabetes), but they are necessary to your health.