Definition of want from

The phrase "want from" originated in Middle English, specifically in the 15th century. Its roots can be traced back to the Old English preposition "wæn" (meaning "to want, to lack") and the Old Norse prefix "fram" (meaning "from"). During the Anglo-Saxon conquests, Old Norse became a part of the Anglo-Saxon dialect and influenced the evolution of many Old English words. This is where the prefix "fram" found its way into the English language and eventually combined with the Middle English preposition "want" to form the expression "want from." Essentially, "want from" was coined as a construction that couples the concept of missing something ("want") with the origin of that lack ("from"). It is commonly used today to indicate a shortage or deficiency in a particular item, location, or circumstance, and as a shorthand way of expressing an interest in knowing the reason for this lack. Examples of "want from" usage in modern English include phrases such as "I want to know what's missing from our budget" or "Can you explain why we're lacking personnel from this department?" In these contexts, "want from" transforms the want or need into an interrogative by inviting an exploration of the origins surrounding the issue.