Necessity: meaning, definitions and examples

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necessity

 

[ nɪˈsɛsɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in daily life

The quality or state of being necessary; something that is necessary or indispensable; a condition or situation in which something is required or must be done.

Synonyms

essential, must-have, need, requirement

Examples of usage

  • It is a necessity to have food and water to survive.
  • Education is a necessity for a better future.
  • Shelter is a necessity for protection from the elements.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

An unavoidable requirement or need for a certain action or result; the state of being compelled to act in a certain way under the law.

Synonyms

compulsion, imperative, obligation

Examples of usage

  • The defense argued that the action taken was a necessity to prevent harm.
  • The judge recognized the necessity of the defendant's actions.
Context #3 | Noun

philosophy

The quality of being logically required or inevitable; something that cannot be otherwise.

Synonyms

certainty, inescapability, inevitability

Examples of usage

  • In his argument, he emphasized the necessity of certain truths.
  • The philosopher explored the concept of necessity in human decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "necessity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 necessidade

🇮🇳 आवश्यकता

🇩🇪 Notwendigkeit

🇮🇩 kebutuhan

🇺🇦 необхідність

🇵🇱 potrzeba

🇯🇵 必要

🇫🇷 nécessité

🇪🇸 necesidad

🇹🇷 gereklilik

🇰🇷 필요

🇸🇦 ضرورة

🇨🇿 potřeba

🇸🇰 potreba

🇨🇳 必要

🇸🇮 potreba

🇮🇸 nauðsyn

🇰🇿 қажеттілік

🇬🇪 საჭიროება

🇦🇿 lazım

🇲🇽 necesidad

Etymology

The word 'necessity' originated from the Latin word 'necessitas', which means 'need' or 'compulsion'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of necessity has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, law, and everyday life, highlighting its essential role in human existence and decision-making.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,573, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.