Necessity
nɪˈsɛsɪti
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state or condition of being essential or indispensable.
nɪˈsɛsɪti
The state or fact of being required.
Food and shelter are basic necessities.
💡 Simply: A necessity is something you absolutely *have* to have or do. Like, if you're really, really thirsty, water is a necessity. Or if you are stuck in a mountain, a rescue crew is a necessity
👶 For kids: Something you really, really need to have or do! Like, you *need* food to eat!
More Examples
She argued that the project was a necessity for the company's future.
The doctor stressed the necessity of regular exercise for good health.
How It's Used
"Water is a necessity for survival."
"The company had to make layoffs out of financial necessity."
Something needed or required.
nɪˈsɛsɪti
Something that is necessary.
Clean water is a basic necessity.
💡 Simply: A necessity is something that you really, really need. It's not just something you *want* - it's something you *need* to make things work or for things to be ok. Like your laptop is a necessity for work.
👶 For kids: Something you must have or do. Like your bed, so you can sleep!
More Examples
The company provided employees with all the necessities for their jobs.
Having access to internet has become a modern necessity.
How It's Used
"A car is a necessity for commuting in this area."
"A smartphone has become a necessity for many people."
Idioms & expressions
Necessity is the mother of invention
When people really need something, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions to get it.
"After the power went out, necessity was the mother of invention, and we used candles and flashlights."
From Latin *necessitas* ('need, obligation'), from *necesse* ('necessary'), from *nec* ('not') + *cedere* ('to yield').
The word's usage can be traced back to philosophical and theological discussions on determinism and free will, referring to what is inevitable.
Memory tip
Think of the things you *need* to survive – those are necessities.