necessary

Definition

Required, essential, whether logically inescapable or needed in order to achieve a desired result or avoid some penalty.

Etymology

From Middle English necessarye, from Old French necessaire, from Latin necessārius (“unavoidable, inevitable, required”), variant of necesse (“unavoidable, inevitable”), probably from ne or non cessum, from the perfect passive participle of cēdō (“yield; avoid, withdraw”); see cede. Older use as a noun in reference to an outhouse or lavatory under the influence of English and Latin necessārium, a medieval term for the place for monks’ “unavoidable” business, usually located behind or attached to monastic dormitories.

Example Sentences

• "Although I wished to think that all was false, it was yet necessary that I, who thus thought, must in some sense exist."
• "It is absolutely necessary that you call and confirm your appointment."
• "1.Sen. ...The faults Bloody: 'Tis necessary he should dye: Nothing imboldens sinne so much, as Mercy."

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