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necessary

A2
nounadjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /nˈɛsəsəri/

US

  • /ˈnɛsəˌsɛri/

Description

Something necessary is something you truly need and cannot do without. Think of air for breathing or food for living. A doctor might say an operation is necessary to save a life. It is not just something nice to have; it is something that must be there or must be done.

You can use it for basic needs, important actions, and things that cannot be avoided. Rain is necessary for plants to grow. Warm clothes are necessary in very cold weather. Sometimes we also use it for things we may not like but still have to accept, like a necessary delay or a necessary change.

Examples

  1. 1

    Appointment documents

    Please bring any documents that are necessary for the appointment.

  2. 2

    Form submission

    Is it really necessary to print the form, or can I email it?

  3. 3

    Account access

    A password is necessary to access your account.

  4. 4

    Scheduling fallback

    We can move the meeting to Friday if necessary.

    • Phrase

      if necessary

      if it is needed

  5. 5

    Medical decision

    The doctor said surgery may be necessary if the pain gets worse.

  6. 6

    School changes

    The school will make the necessary changes before next term.

  7. 7

    Spending limits

    Try not to spend more money than is necessary.

  8. 8

    Form information

    The form asks only for information that is strictly necessary.

    • Phrase

      strictly necessary

      completely needed, with nothing extra

  9. 9

    Unpleasant necessity

    Long airport security lines are a necessary evil.

    • Phrase

      a necessary evil

      something unpleasant that people accept because it is needed

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • necessarynounadjective

Forms

  • necessariespluralnounadjective