necessity
UK: nɪˈsesɪti | US: nəˈsɛsəti
n. something that is essential or indispensable
n. the state or fact of being required
n. unavoidable circumstances; compulsion
necessity = necess<necessary> + ity<noun suffix>
- necess (from Latin necesse, meaning "unavoidable, indispensable")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -itas)
Etymology Origin:
The word "necessity" traces back to Latin necessitas, derived from necesse ("unavoidable"). The root necess reflects inevitability or compulsion, while -ity transforms it into an abstract noun. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English (via Old French necessité) to emphasize both essentiality and external constraints.
Clean water is a basic necessity for survival.
The necessity of completing the project on time was stressed.
Financial necessity forced her to take a second job.
They acted out of necessity, not choice.
The law recognizes necessity as a valid defense in emergencies.