wanted
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɒntɪd/
KK: /ˈwɑntɪd/
adjective
Definition
Desired or wished for; something that people want or seek.
Example
He was a wanted man, sought by the police for questioning.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more wanted
Superlative: most wanted
Conversation
Have you seen that new phone everyone has been talking about?
Yeah, I've heard it's the most wanted model this year!
I can see why; it has all the features I’ve wanted for so long.
Totally! I think I might save up to get one soon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
desired
sought
coveted
Antonyms
unwanted
undesired
rejected
verb
Definition
To have a desire or wish for something.
Example
She wanted to go to the concert but couldn't find a ticket.
Tense Forms
Past: wanted
Past Participle: wanted
Conversation
I really wanted to go to that concert last night.
Oh, I heard it was amazing!
Yeah, but I couldn't find anyone to go with me.
Root Explanation
Wanted → It is formed from "want" (from Old Norse *vanta*, meaning to lack or be without) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past tense or completed action). The word "wanted" means that something was desired or lacked in the past.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old Norse word for lacking — when something is 'wanted', it means it was desired or something you felt was missing.
Visually Confused Words
waned
unwanted
wonted
wasted
warted
canted
warranted
wane