Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
necklace
necklet
neckline
neckpiece
necktie
neckwear
necr-
necro-
necrobiosis
necrology
necromancy
necrophagous
necrophilia
necrophobia
necropolis
necropsy
necrosis
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "necessity" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

necessity

ne·ces·si·ty [ nə séssətee ] (plural ne·ces·si·ties)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. something essential: something that is essential, especially a basic requirement
food, shelter, and the other necessities

2. compelling circumstances: circumstances that create a need or an obligation
issuing replacements as necessity dictates

3. need: the condition of being needed or required
We'll hire new staff when the necessity arises.

4. philosophy necessary quality: the quality of being necessary or of not being able to be otherwise

[14th century. Via French< Latin necessitas< necesse (see necessary)]

of necessity because it is impossible to prevent or avoid

Englishtown: Learn English online
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
Upgrade your Encarta experience
Encarta RSS Feeds
© 2008 Microsoft