Main Entry: ne·ces·si·ty

Pronunciation: \ni-ˈse-sə-tē, -ˈses-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ne·ces·si·ties

Etymology: Middle English necessite, from Anglo-French necessité, from Latin necessitat-, necessitas, from necesse

Date: 14th century

1 : the quality or state of being necessary
2 a : pressure of circumstance b : physical or moral compulsion c : impossibility of a contrary order or condition
3 : the quality or state of being in need; especially : poverty
4 a : something that is necessary : requirement b : an urgent need or desire

— of necessity : in such a way that it cannot be otherwise; also : as a necessary consequence <further changes will occur of necessity>