Necessary

Necessary

Adjective · /ˈnes.ə.ser.i/

Definition

Required to be done, achieved, or present; needed; essential; inevitable as a consequence of something; (in logic) necessarily true — true in all possible worlds.

Origin

From Latin necessarius (unavoidable, indispensable), from necesse (necessary, unavoidable), probably from ne- (not) + cedere (to yield, give way), or from nec (not) + cessare (to cease). The idea being that the necessary thing is that which does not yield or give way — it cannot be avoided. Entering English through Old French necessaire in the 14th century. The spelling trap — one collar, two socks — being one of the most commonly taught mnemonics in English spelling pedagogy.