Necessary: meaning, definitions and examples
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necessary
[ˈnɛsɪˌsɛri ]
Definitions
in a situation where something must happen or be done
required to be done; essential. In a situation where something must happen or be done. The government has taken the necessary steps to ensure public safety.
Synonyms
crucial, essential, mandatory, required, vital.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| necessary |
Used for something that is needed for a specific situation or task, but not always of utmost importance.
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| essential |
Used for something that is absolutely necessary and fundamental, often for survival or basic functioning.
|
| required |
Used to describe something that is necessary according to specific standards or expectations.
|
| vital |
Used for something that is extremely important or essential for the continued existence or success of something.
|
| crucial |
Used when something is extremely important and can determine the outcome of a situation.
|
| mandatory |
Used for something that is required by law or rules, implying no flexibility.
|
Examples of usage
- The necessary paperwork must be completed before starting the project.
- It is necessary to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
- Regular exercise is necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
something that is needed or required
something that is required or indispensable. An essential or indispensable thing. Water is a basic necessity of life.
Synonyms
essential, must-have, need, requirement, requisite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| necessary |
Used to express something that is needed or required in order to achieve a specific result or condition.
|
| essential |
Emphasizes something that is absolutely needed and very important, often critical.
|
| requirement |
Used in more formal or official contexts to denote something that is mandatory or a prerequisite.
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| need |
General term that expresses a requirement or necessity for something; can refer to both tangible and intangible things.
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| requisite |
Often used in formal contexts to denote something necessary for a particular purpose or outcome.
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| must-have |
Often used in informal contexts to denote something that is very popular and highly desired, often referring to items or experiences.
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Examples of usage
- Food, shelter, and clothing are basic necessities.
- Access to clean water is a necessity for all living beings.
- Learning to read and write is a necessity in today's society.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin word 'necessarius', which means 'unavoidable or essential'.
- In Middle English, the term was adapted from the Old French 'necessaire', which also meant necessary.
- The concept dates back to ancient philosophy, where it was often discussed in terms of 'necessity' in life.
Psychology
- Understanding what is necessary can influence human decision-making, often shifting focus on essential needs over wants.
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes that basic necessities, like food and shelter, form the foundation of human motivation.
- Cognitive biases often distort perceptions of necessity, leading individuals to prioritize perceived essentials over actual needs.
Pop Culture
- In popular music, the idea of 'necessary' often arises in songs about love and survival, underscoring its emotional weight.
- Films and literature frequently explore themes of necessary choices, often showcasing characters facing dilemmas that define their paths.
- Podcasts often discuss the necessary skills for modern living, revealing how various professions value different sets of essential abilities.
Literature
- Authors often reflect on what is necessary for happiness in their narratives, probing human conditions and aspirations.
- Classics like '1984' highlight necessary truths versus imposed realities, questioning societal norms.
- Poetry sometimes uses 'necessary' to emphasize the indispensable nature of love and companionship, exploring its vital role in life.
Science
- In scientific terms, 'necessary' is often used in hypotheses, indicating the essential criteria for a phenomenon to occur.
- Ecological studies frequently classify certain species as necessary for the health of an ecosystem, termed keystone species.
- In mathematics, a necessary condition is defined as a prerequisite for the truth of a statement or theorem.
Translations
Translations of the word "necessary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 necessário
🇮🇳 आवश्यक
🇩🇪 notwendig
🇮🇩 diperlukan
🇺🇦 необхідний
🇵🇱 konieczny
🇯🇵 必要な (hitsuyōna)
🇫🇷 nécessaire
🇪🇸 necesario
🇹🇷 gerekli
🇰🇷 필요한 (piryohan)
🇸🇦 ضروري (dharuri)
🇨🇿 nezbytný
🇸🇰 nevyhnutný
🇨🇳 必要的 (bìyào de)
🇸🇮 nujen
🇮🇸 nauðsynlegur
🇰🇿 қажетті
🇬🇪 აუცილებელი (aucilebeli)
🇦🇿 lazım
🇲🇽 necesario