necessity

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

Related to NECESSITY

Synonyms: condition, demand, must, must-have, necessary, essential, need, needful, requirement, requisite, sine qua non

Antonyms: nonessential, nonnecessity

Related Words: precondition, prerequisite; advantage, edge, plus; desideration, desideratum, wish

Near Antonyms: amenity, comfort, extra, extravagance, frill, indulgence, luxury, superfluity, surplus, surplusage

see all synonyms and antonyms

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