necessitar

Senses

1. 1.

   to need, to require

   to have need of something or someone

2. 2.

   to be in need

   to lack necessary resources or be in difficult circumstances

Examples

• "Ele necessita de ajuda para terminar o projeto."

  He needs help to finish the project.

• "A planta necessita de água e luz solar para crescer."

  The plant needs water and sunlight to grow.

• "Muitas famílias necessitam de assistência financeira."

  Many families are in need of financial assistance.

Usage

More formal than "precisar" (the common everyday word for "need"). Often used with the preposition "de" before the object (necessitar de algo). Common in written and official contexts, but sounds stilted in casual conversation where "precisar" is preferred.