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necessity

9 ENTRIES FOUND:

ne·ces·si·ty

noun \ni-ˈse-sə-tē, -ˈses-tē\
plural ne·ces·si·ties

Definition of NECESSITY

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>

Examples of NECESSITY

  1. Sunscreen is an absolute necessity for the beach.
  2. food, clothes, and other basic necessities
  3. Getting plenty of rest is a necessity.
  4. Without a car, living close to work is a necessity.
  5. All we took with us on our hiking trip were the bare necessities.

Origin of NECESSITY

Middle English necessite, from Anglo-French necessité, from Latin necessitat-, necessitas, from necesse
First Known Use: 14th century

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