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necessity

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necessity

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 necessary2 a: pressure of circumstance b: physical or moral compulsion c: impossibility of a contrary order or condition3: the quality or state of being in need ; especially : poverty4 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>

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