Meaning & Definition of word "Necessity"

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    Necessity

    /nəˈsɛs.ɪ.ti/

    noun:

    • 1. The state or fact of being required or indispensable.
      • Example: The necessity of clean water cannot be overstated.
    • 2. Something that is essential or indispensable.
      • Example: Food and shelter are basic necessities for survival.
    • 3. An urgent need or requirement.
      • Example: In times of crisis, the necessity for quick action becomes clear.
    • 4. A thing that is necessary.
      • Example: He bought all the necessities for his camping trip.
    • 5. The condition of being unavoidable or inescapable.
      • Example: She faced the necessity of making a difficult decision.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French necessite, from Latin necessitas, from necessarius ‘needed, indispensable’.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    necessity is the mother of invention:

    People are driven to invent solutions when faced with needs or challenges.

    in the necessity:

    In a situation where something is mandatory.

    Related Words

    essential:

    Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

    requirement:

    Something that is needed or demanded.

    obligation:

    A duty or commitment to do something.

    Slang Meanings of necessity

    Meaning: Must-have

    Example Sentence: A smartphone is a must-have for many young people today.

    Meaning: Can't live without it

    Example Sentence: Coffee in the morning is something I can't live without.