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Needful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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needful

[ˈniːdfəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

necessary requirement

The term 'needful' describes something that is required or essential. It implies a necessity for something to be done or for a certain condition to be met. The word is usually used in literary contexts or formal writing and is somewhat antiquated in modern usage. However, it captures the essence of urgency or importance regarding a requirement.

Synonyms

essential, necessary, required, vital.

Examples of usage

  • Please gather the needful documents for the meeting.
  • It is needful that we address the issue immediately.
  • She took the needful steps to ensure safety.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Needful appears in several classic works, including the Bible, where it emphasizes the importance of fulfilling crucial needs.
  • Charles Dickens used the term in his stories to highlight themes of necessity and morality.
  • The phrase 'needful things' became famous due to Stephen King's novel, revolving around items that cater to deep desires.

Cultural Usage

  • In the African American spiritual and folk traditions, the concept of being needful is often linked to survival and community support.
  • The term has been adopted in various social and political discussions about essential needs in society.
  • Needful has seen a revival in modern language, often used humorously to suggest excessive importance.

Psychology

  • Understanding what is needful can help in prioritizing tasks and managing stress effectively.
  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs identifies 'needfulness' in its basic structure, focusing on essential human requirements.
  • In therapy, discerning needful items can help address emotional and psychological needs.

Origin of 'needful'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Needful' comes from the Old English word 'nēodfull', meaning 'necessary'.
  • The term became popular in the late 19th century, especially in American English.
  • It is often used in literary contexts, especially in older texts.

The word 'needful' originates from the Old English 'nēodfull', which combines 'nēod', meaning 'need', and 'full', indicating 'full of' or 'having the quality of'. Its usage can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, where it was commonly used in literature and documents to refer to something that was deemed necessary. Over time, while the word has fallen out of popular usage, its meaning has remained consistent. The term was more frequently found in works of classical literature and religious texts, often emphasizing the importance of adhering to certain obligations or commands. In contemporary English, 'needful' is less commonly used, with 'necessary' and 'essential' becoming the preferred alternatives. However, it still holds a place in the lexicon, particularly in poetic or formal contexts, where a certain level of antiquity can add to the depth and richness of the text.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,057, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.