First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
necessity
noun ne·ces·si·ty \ni-ˈse-sə-tē, -ˈses-tē\
: something that you must have or do : something that is necessary
: the quality of being necessary
plural ne·ces·si·ties
Full 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>
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Origin of NECESSITY
Middle English necessite, from Anglo-French necessité, from Latin necessitat-, necessitas, from necesse
Related to NECESSITY
- Synonyms
- condition, demand, must, must-have, necessary, essential, need, needful, requirement, requisite, sine qua non
- Antonyms
- nonessential, nonnecessity
NECESSITY Defined for Kids
necessity
noun ne·ces·si·ty \ni-ˈse-sə-tē\
plural ne·ces·si·ties
Definition of NECESSITY for Kids
1
: the state of things that forces certain actions <The necessity of eating forced her to work.>
2
: very great need <Call us for help in case of necessity.>
3
: the state of being in need : poverty <I am forced by necessity to beg.>
4
: something that is badly needed <He bought a few necessities before his trip.>
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