necessity
C1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Something that is essential, indispensable, or unavoidable; a thing that is absolutely needed.
A condition or state of affairs requiring a certain course of action; the state or fact of being required or unavoidable. Also used in philosophical contexts to refer to that which cannot be otherwise.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a compelling force, constraint, or lack of alternative. In plural ('necessities'), refers to basic requirements for life (e.g., food, shelter).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in related derivatives (e.g., 'necessitate').
Connotations
Equally formal in both dialects. Slightly more common in philosophical/legal discourse in BrE.
Frequency
Comparably frequent; core word in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
necessity for (doing) somethingnecessity of (doing) somethingnecessity to do somethingunder the necessity of doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
- “make a virtue of necessity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to operational requirements, budget constraints, or market-driven actions (e.g., 'A restructuring was an economic necessity.').
Academic
Used in philosophical arguments (logical necessity), legal texts (necessity defence), or scientific writing (necessary conditions).
Everyday
Describes basic needs or unavoidable situations (e.g., 'Food is a basic necessity.').
Technical
In logic/philosophy: a proposition that must be true; in law: a defence justifying illegal action to prevent greater harm.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The situation necessitated immediate action.
- Repairs will necessitate closing the road.
American English
- The crisis necessitated a federal response.
- Growth will necessitate hiring more staff.
adverb
British English
- This is necessarily the case.
- The plan was necessarily complex.
American English
- That's not necessarily true.
- We'll necessarily have to adjust.
adjective
British English
- A necessary evil.
- Make the necessary arrangements.
American English
- Fill out the necessary forms.
- We took the necessary precautions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Water is a basic necessity for life.
- I bought some daily necessities at the shop.
- Out of necessity, she learned to cook.
- Is a car a necessity where you live?
- The report highlighted the necessity for stricter regulations.
- They argued from economic necessity.
- The court accepted the defence of necessity due to the extreme circumstances.
- He philosophical on the distinction between logical necessity and contingency.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'NECESSITY' as containing 'NECESS' (like 'necessary') + 'ITY' (state of) = the state of being necessary.
Conceptual Metaphor
NECESSITY IS A FORCE (compels action); NECESSITIES ARE FOUNDATIONS (basic requirements for existence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'необходимость' for minor wants—English 'necessity' is stronger.
- The plural 'necessities' ≠ 'необходимости' (abstract plural); it means 'basic physical needs'.
- Don't confuse with 'necessaries' (old-fashioned/legal term for basic supplies).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'necessity' for a simple preference (e.g., 'A new phone is a necessity for me.' – overuse).
- Misspelling as 'neccesity' or 'nessesity'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'necessity of' + noun vs. 'necessity to' + verb.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best captures the meaning of 'sheer necessity'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Necessity' is stronger and more formal, implying something indispensable or unavoidable. 'Need' is more general and can refer to both essentials and desires.
Yes. It can be countable ('basic necessities like food') and uncountable ('out of necessity').
Yes, it's a formal adverbial phrase meaning 'inevitably' or 'necessarily' (e.g., 'The plan was, of necessity, revised.').
It's a legal justification for committing a crime to prevent a greater harm (e.g., breaking into a cabin to survive a blizzard).
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