Must-have Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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must-have

[ˈməstˌhav ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

shopping

An essential item that is considered necessary or highly desirable.

Synonyms

essential, necessary, required, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
must-have	Used when describing something that is highly desirable or recommended, particularly in fashion, technology, or trends. It often implies some level of personal preference. This new phone is a must-have for tech enthusiasts. A little black dress is a must-have in every woman's wardrobe.
essential	Refers to something absolutely necessary, fundamental, or of utmost importance for survival, function, or success. Water is essential for human life. Good communication is essential for a healthy relationship.
necessary	Indicates something that is needed or required in order to achieve a particular end or to maintain certain standards. It has a more formal tone. It is necessary to obtain a visa before traveling to certain countries. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the machine running smoothly.
required	Denotes something that is mandated or obligatory, often by rules, laws, or regulations. Safety helmets are required on the construction site. A password is required to access the secure server.
vital	Used to highlight something that is crucial or indispensable, often with a sense of urgency or importance for survival or success. Getting enough sleep is vital for your health. It is vital to reach the meeting on time to secure the deal.

Examples of usage

Waterproof mascara is a must-have for my makeup bag.
A good quality camera is a must-have for any photographer.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fashion

An item of clothing or accessory that is currently trendy and highly coveted.

Synonyms

coveted, in demand, popular, trendy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
must-have	Use to describe an essential item that is highly desired or necessary to own in a specific context, often related to fashion, technology, or lifestyle. The latest smartphone is a must-have for tech enthusiasts This winter coat is a must-have for staying warm and stylish
trendy	Use to describe something that is currently fashionable and follows the latest trends. Typically used for fashion, lifestyle, and cultural phenomena. Those sneakers are very trendy this season Trendy cafes are popping up all over the city
coveted	Use to describe something that is greatly desired by many people, often implying a sense of exclusivity or rarity. Suitable for luxury items or high-value achievements. The limited-edition watch is highly coveted among collectors Winning the championship is a coveted goal for every athlete
in demand	Use to describe something that is currently very popular and frequently requested by people. Often used for products, job skills, or services. Skilled software developers are always in demand Freshly baked bread is in demand at the local bakery
popular	Use to describe something that is well-liked by many people. This word is generally positive and can be applied broadly to almost any context, from trends to people. The new TV show is very popular with teenagers Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world

Examples of usage

The latest designer handbag is a must-have for fashionistas.
These shoes are a must-have for this season's style.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Marketing

The term 'must-have' is widely used in advertising to create urgency around a product, suggesting it's not just wanted, but needed.
In fashion, items labeled as 'must-have' often reflect current trends, influencing consumers' shopping behavior dramatically.
Products that are branded as 'must-have' can generate buzz, leading to increased social media sharing and discussions.

Cultural Significance

In popular culture, the concept of 'must-have' can often lead to consumerism, where people feel pressured to buy items just to keep up.
During major holidays, certain items are promoted as 'must-haves', creating shopping frenzies akin to cultural events like Black Friday!
The idea of 'must-have' varies across different cultures, where local traditions can dictate which items are considered essential.

Technology

The tech industry frequently introduces 'must-have' gadgets that are marketed as essential for convenience and efficiency in daily life.
Smartphones have become a 'must-have' item in modern society, as they integrate various functions that were once independent devices.
Innovations like smart home devices and AI personal assistants have shifted consumer perception towards viewing technology as 'must-have' for a modern lifestyle.

Psychology

The 'must-have' effect can trigger FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), where individuals feel they can't enjoy life fully without trending products.
Research shows that labeling items as 'must-have' can increase their perceived value, affecting people’s purchasing decisions.
People may associate their social status with owning 'must-have' items, leading to emotional fulfillment or pressure to conform.

Literature

In many novels, characters experience transformation through their pursuit of a 'must-have' object, symbolizing deeper desires and motivations.
The concept of 'must-have' is often used in narrative arcs to showcase character development driven by material desire.
Best-selling books often feature 'must-have' elements in their plots that appeal to readers' needs for connection, adventure, or knowledge.

Origin of 'must-have'

The term 'must-have' originated in the marketing and retail industry to create a sense of urgency and desire among consumers. It emphasizes the importance and desirability of a particular item, driving sales and influencing trends. Over time, 'must-have' has become a common phrase used in various contexts to denote essential or highly sought-after items.