meet need
يلبي الحاجة
Literally: To encounter a necessity
Use this phrase when a solution perfectly matches a requirement or solves a specific problem.
In 15 Seconds
- Providing exactly what is required for a specific situation.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and helpful personal contexts.
- Focuses on solving a problem or filling a gap effectively.
Meaning
When you have a specific problem or requirement, and someone or something provides exactly what is needed to fix it. It is like finding the missing puzzle piece that makes everything work again.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a new laptop
This laptop really meets my needs for video editing.
This laptop really meets my needs for video editing.
A boss talking to a team
We need to design a product that meets the needs of busy parents.
We need to design a product that meets the needs of busy parents.
Texting a friend about a favor
Thanks for the ride, it really met a need since my car is in the shop!
Thanks for the ride, it really met a need since my car is in the shop!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a Western 'problem-solver' mentality where life is seen as a series of requirements to be satisfied. It gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century during the rise of consumer marketing and service-based economies.
The 'Perfect Fit' Secret
Use this phrase when you want to sound like a problem solver. It implies that you aren't just doing a task, you are providing a solution.
Don't Overuse with People
Avoid saying 'I will meet your needs' to a romantic partner too often; it can sound a bit like a business contract rather than love!
In 15 Seconds
- Providing exactly what is required for a specific situation.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and helpful personal contexts.
- Focuses on solving a problem or filling a gap effectively.
What It Means
Imagine you are hungry and someone gives you a sandwich. That sandwich meets your need for food. It is about fulfillment. It is not just about wanting something. It is about having a requirement that gets satisfied. Think of it as a bridge. On one side is a gap (the need). On the other side is the solution. When they touch, you meet the need.
How To Use It
You can use this for people, products, or services. You usually say meet the need or meet a need. You can also pluralize it to meet needs. It sounds polished but very natural. Use it when a solution fits a problem perfectly. It is common in business but works for personal favors too. If your friend helps you move, they met your need for help.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing solutions. It is great for job interviews. Tell them how your skills meet the company's needs. Use it when reviewing a product. "This phone really meets my needs for a good camera." Use it when talking about charity or social work. It shows you are focused on results. It is a very proactive and positive phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for casual cravings. If you want chocolate, do not say "I must meet my need for sugar." That sounds like you are a robot. Use it for things that are actually necessary. Avoid it in very high-intensity emotional moments. If someone is crying, do not say "I will meet your need for a tissue." Just give them the tissue! It can feel a bit cold if used for deep personal feelings.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially the US and UK, efficiency is highly valued. We like things that work. This phrase became popular because it sounds professional and reliable. It comes from a mindset of problem-solving. It suggests that for every problem, there is a logical solution waiting to be found. It is the language of utility and satisfaction.
Common Variations
You will often hear meet the demand or fulfill a requirement. Some people say cater to your needs if they are being extra fancy. In business, you might hear address a need. But meet the need remains the classic choice. It is short, clear, and punchy. It makes you sound like someone who gets things done.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register from neutral to formal. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you don't use it for trivial desires where 'want' would be more appropriate.
The 'Perfect Fit' Secret
Use this phrase when you want to sound like a problem solver. It implies that you aren't just doing a task, you are providing a solution.
Don't Overuse with People
Avoid saying 'I will meet your needs' to a romantic partner too often; it can sound a bit like a business contract rather than love!
Supply and Demand
In the US, this phrase is heavily linked to the 'can-do' attitude. Saying you can 'meet a need' is a strong promise of reliability.
Examples
6This laptop really meets my needs for video editing.
This laptop really meets my needs for video editing.
Shows the product is sufficient for a specific task.
We need to design a product that meets the needs of busy parents.
We need to design a product that meets the needs of busy parents.
Focuses on the target audience's requirements.
Thanks for the ride, it really met a need since my car is in the shop!
Thanks for the ride, it really met a need since my car is in the shop!
Expressing gratitude for timely help.
My cat's only 'need' is to be fed at 3 AM, and I refuse to meet it.
My cat's only 'need' is to be fed at 3 AM, and I refuse to meet it.
Using the phrase ironically for a silly demand.
The new food bank is struggling to meet the growing need in the community.
The new food bank is struggling to meet the growing need in the community.
Serious context regarding social requirements.
My experience in sales meets the needs of your expanding department.
My experience in sales meets the needs of your expanding department.
Matching personal skills to company requirements.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the professional sentence.
Our goal is to ___ the needs of our clients through innovation.
To 'meet a need' is the standard collocation for satisfying a requirement.
Complete the sentence about a personal situation.
I bought a smaller car because it ___ my need for better fuel economy.
The past tense 'met' is used here because the action of buying the car happened in the past.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Meet Need'
Talking to friends about a tool or favor.
This app meets my needs.
Standard everyday use in shops or offices.
Does this meet your needs?
Official reports or legal requirements.
The proposal fails to meet the stated needs.
Where to use 'Meet Need'
Customer Service
We aim to meet every customer's need.
Job Interview
I can meet the needs of this role.
Education
Teachers meet the needs of different learners.
Technology
This software meets our security needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can! Satisfy a need is a perfect synonym, though meet a need is slightly more common in business settings.
Both are correct. Use need for one specific problem and needs when there are multiple requirements.
Not at all. It is neutral. You can say 'This pizza really meets my need for cheese' and it sounds funny and natural.
Yes. A person can meet a need by providing help, skills, or emotional support.
You would say it fails to meet the need or falls short of the requirements.
No. It can be an emotional need, a financial need, or a technical need. For example, meeting the need for companionship.
Yes, fill a need is a very common and slightly more casual variation of this phrase.
Absolutely. It is standard across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian.
Marketers use it to convince you that their product is the only solution to your specific problem.
Yes, that is a more formal version often used in legal or technical documents.
Related Phrases
fill a gap
To provide something that is missing.
fit the bill
To be exactly what is needed in a specific situation.
cater to
To provide what is needed or desired by a specific group.
address an issue
To deal with a problem or situation.
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