necessity
The state or fact of being required or indispensable. It refers to something that is absolutely essential or unavoidable, often implying a strong need or obligation.
Necessity describes something that is fundamentally essential or unavoidable, without which a desired outcome is impossible or a negative consequence is certain.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Something absolutely essential or indispensable.
- Refers to a strong need or unavoidable condition.
- Often implies urgency or obligation.
Summary
Necessity describes something that is fundamentally essential or unavoidable, without which a desired outcome is impossible or a negative consequence is certain.
- Something absolutely essential or indispensable.
- Refers to a strong need or unavoidable condition.
- Often implies urgency or obligation.
Distinguish from 'Need'
Remember "necessity" is often about survival or fundamental function, stronger than a simple "need" or desire.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't say "absolute necessity" too often; "necessity" already implies something essential and absolute.
Cultural Values of Necessity
Different cultures may define "necessities" differently, especially beyond basic survival, influencing consumer habits and societal priorities.
Examples
4 of 4For many people in developing countries, access to basic healthcare is a daily necessity.
The government argued the new tax was a fiscal necessity to balance the budget.
I didn't want to work overtime, but it was a sheer necessity to finish the project on time.
The necessity of rigorous peer review in scientific publishing ensures credibility and accuracy.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a "NECK-cessity": you absolutely NEED your neck to hold your head up, it's essential for survival! It's a non-negotiable requirement.
Overview
“Necessity” is a noun that denotes something absolutely essential, required, or unavoidable. It can refer to a strong need, an imperative condition, or the state of being indispensable. For instance, food and water are necessities for survival. The word often carries a sense of urgency or obligation, suggesting that without it, a negative consequence might occur or a goal cannot be achieved. It can also describe a situation where a particular action is forced upon someone due to circumstances.
Usage Patterns
“Necessity” is frequently used in phrases like “a matter of necessity” (something that must be done), “out of necessity” (because it's unavoidable), or “the necessities of life” (basic requirements). It can be followed by an “of” phrase (e.g., “the necessity of action”) or a “for” phrase (e.g., “a necessity for growth”). It can be singular or plural (“necessities”). When discussing abstract concepts, it often appears in the singular. For concrete items, the plural “necessities” is common.
Common Contexts
You'll encounter “necessity” in discussions about basic human needs (e.g., “shelter is a necessity”), legal or ethical obligations (e.g., “a legal necessity”), economic principles (e.g., “economic necessities”), and problem-solving scenarios where certain steps are unavoidable (e.g., “the necessity of making difficult choices”). It's also used in philosophical contexts to discuss determinism or free will. In everyday conversation, it often highlights something crucial or unavoidable.
Similar Words comparison: While “need” is a close synonym, “necessity” often implies a stronger, more fundamental, or unavoidable requirement. A “need” can be a desire or a lack, but a “necessity” is something that absolutely must exist or happen. For example, you might “need” a new phone, but food is a “necessity.” “Requirement” is another similar word, but “necessity” often carries a heavier weight of indispensability or urgency. A “requirement” can be a condition that must be met, but a “necessity” is often more about fundamental survival or function.
Usage Notes
"Necessity" is a versatile noun that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often carries a slightly more serious or weighty tone than "need." It's particularly common in discussions about fundamental rights, obligations, or unavoidable conditions. When referring to basic items for living, the plural "necessities" is frequently used.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using "necessity" interchangeably with "desire" or "preference"; "necessity" implies something crucial, not just wanted. Another error is neglecting the preposition "of" or "for" when specifying what is necessary (e.g., "the necessity of patience"). Be careful not to overuse "absolute necessity" as "necessity" itself already conveys a strong sense of indispensability.
Memory Tip
Think of a "NECK-cessity": you absolutely NEED your neck to hold your head up, it's essential for survival! It's a non-negotiable requirement.
Word Origin
The word "necessity" comes from Old French "necessité," which itself derived from Latin "necessitas," meaning "unavoidableness, compulsion, need." The Latin root "necesse" meant "unavoidable, indispensable," combining "ne-" (not) and "cedere" (to yield), implying something that cannot be yielded from or avoided.
Cultural Context
The concept of "necessity" is universal, but what constitutes a "necessity" beyond basic survival can vary greatly across cultures. For example, in some cultures, extended family support might be considered a necessity, while in others, individual self-reliance is prioritized. Economic development also plays a huge role in defining what a society considers a necessity for its citizens.
Examples
For many people in developing countries, access to basic healthcare is a daily necessity.
everydayThe government argued the new tax was a fiscal necessity to balance the budget.
formalI didn't want to work overtime, but it was a sheer necessity to finish the project on time.
informalThe necessity of rigorous peer review in scientific publishing ensures credibility and accuracy.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Necessity is the mother of invention.
The necessities of life.
Out of necessity.
Often Confused With
"Necessity" implies a more fundamental, unavoidable, or critical requirement for survival, function, or a specific outcome. "Need" can be a strong desire, a lack, or a less critical requirement. For example, you might "need" a vacation, but food is a "necessity."
Grammar Patterns
Distinguish from 'Need'
Remember "necessity" is often about survival or fundamental function, stronger than a simple "need" or desire.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't say "absolute necessity" too often; "necessity" already implies something essential and absolute.
Cultural Values of Necessity
Different cultures may define "necessities" differently, especially beyond basic survival, influencing consumer habits and societal priorities.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
Access to clean water is a fundamental ___ for human health.
Clean water is essential for survival and well-being, making it a fundamental necessity.
Select the sentence where "necessity" is used correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses the word "necessity"?
Option (d) correctly uses "out of necessity" to mean "because it was unavoidable." Options (a) and (c) misuse it for desires or whims, while (b) is grammatically awkward.
Create a sentence using "necessity" to describe something essential for education.
Use "necessity" in a sentence about education.
This sentence demonstrates how "necessity" can describe an essential condition for a desired outcome (effective learning).
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile both relate to something required, "necessity" usually implies a more fundamental, unavoidable, or critical requirement, often for survival or essential function. A "need" can be a strong desire or a lack, but a "necessity" is something that absolutely must be present or occur.
Yes, "necessities" is commonly used, especially when referring to basic requirements for life or comfortable living, such as "the necessities of life" (food, water, shelter).
"Necessity" is generally a neutral to formal word. While it can appear in everyday conversation, its usage often lends a slightly more serious or considered tone than simpler words like "need."
The proverb "Necessity is the mother of invention" means that difficult or challenging situations often inspire people to create innovative solutions or tools to overcome those difficulties. It highlights how urgent needs drive creativity and ingenuity.
