Necessary
ˈnɛsəˌsɛri
Definitions
2 meaningsRequired; essential; unavoidable.
ˈnɛsəˌsɛri
Required; essential; unavoidable
Water is necessary for survival.
💡 Simply: Something that you absolutely need to have or do. Like, it's necessary to eat food to stay alive! Or, it's necessary to wear a seatbelt when you're in a car.
👶 For kids: Something that you really, really need. Like, it's necessary to drink water when you're thirsty!
More Examples
It's necessary to study for the test.
The necessary equipment was shipped yesterday.
Are the necessary documents prepared?
How It's Used
"It is necessary to have a passport to travel internationally."
"The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that all elements of the crime were necessary for conviction."
"Photosynthesis is a necessary process for plant life."
Something that is essential or indispensable.
ˈnɛsəˌsɛri
Something that is essential.
They provided for their families' necessities.
💡 Simply: A thing that you can't live without. Like, food, water, and a place to sleep are necessities for humans.
👶 For kids: Things you really, really need. Like, food and water are necessities!
More Examples
The basic necessities of life include food and shelter.
Her latest book is a necessity for all serious students of the topic.
How It's Used
"The necessities of life are food, shelter, and clothing."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a necessary evil
Something unpleasant or undesirable that must be accepted to achieve a particular end.
"Taxes are often considered a necessary evil."
make necessary
To cause something to be required or essential.
"The circumstances made it necessary to cancel the trip."
From Latin *necessarius* ('unavoidable, indispensable'), from *necesse* ('need, necessity').
The word 'necessary' has been used for centuries, reflecting its enduring importance in various contexts of human life. Its usage in legal and philosophical texts dates back to ancient times.
Memory tip
Think of a 'necessary' item as something you 'need' and can't do without.
Word Origin
"unavoidable, indispensable"