necessity

One entry found for necessity.

Main Entry: ne·ces·si·ty
Pronunciation: ni-'se-s&-tE, -'ses-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English necessite, from Anglo-French necessité, from Latin necessitat-, necessitas, from necesse
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>