Necessity Meaning
/nɪˈsɛsəti/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite.
nounThe condition of being needy; desperate need; lack.
Sentence Examples
Necessity is the mother of invention.
It must, of necessity, be postponed.
We recognize the necessity for a written agreement.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Water is a basic ____ for the survival of all living creatures.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Clean water is a basic ____ that everyone should have access to.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English necessite, from Old French necessite, from Latin necessitās (“unavoidableness, compulsion, exigency, necessity”), from necesse (“unavoidable, inevitable”); see necessary. Doublet of Necessitas.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Educating the public about some of the myths that underlie their fears that non-traditional families will of necessity be detrimental to the well-being of foster children."
— 1985 December 7, Kim Westheimer, quoting Carol Brill, “Toy Dolls, Fake Dukakis 'Hear' Foster Testimony”, in Gay Community News, volume 13, number 21, page 1:
"Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […] But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul."
— 2013 June 28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21:
"For it is in vain for a man to think to seek God in his necessity and exigence, if he seek not God in his ordinances, and do not joy in them."
— 1863, Richard Sibbes, “The Successful Seeker”, in The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, D.D., Volume VI, James Nichol, page 125:
"Look for the bare necessities / The simple bare necessities / Forget about your worries and your strife"
— 1967, Terry Gilkyson, “The Bare Necessities”, in The Jungle Book:
"I stopped, and said with inly muttered voice,
'It doth not love the shower, nor seek the cold:
This neither is its courage nor its choice,
But its necessity in being old."
— 1804, The Small Celandine, Wordsworth:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Water is a basic ____ for the survival of all living creatures.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Clean water is a basic ____ that everyone should have access to.