What is necessity? Pronunciation and usage in English

necessity means . Learn how to pronounce and use necessity through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of necessity

necessitynoun

/nəˈsesəti//nəˈsesəti/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "necessity" in English. It’s a tricky one for many learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • ne - Like the word “knee”
  • cess - This is the tricky part. It sounds like “sits” but with a “c” sound instead of an “s” sound. Think of it as a quick, short “sits.”
  • i - Like the letter “i”

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: “Nee-sih-tuh-tee”

Here’s a more detailed breakdown with emphasis:

  • Nee- (emphasize this syllable) - Like "knee"
  • -sih- (quick and short) – Like “sits” but with a ‘c’
  • -tuh- (very short and light) - This is almost like a soft “tuh” sound.
  • -tee - Like the letter "t" followed by "ee" (as in “see”)

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search for “how to pronounce necessity” on Google. You’ll find audio clips and videos.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/necessity/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce necessity" on YouTube to view demonstrations.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "cess" syllable. It’s quick and light.
  • Practice slowly at first. Break it down syllable by syllable.
  • Listen to native speakers. This is the best way to internalize the correct rhythm and sounds.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another similar word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word necessity in English

Let's break down how to use the word "necessity" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and using it correctly makes your writing and speaking much clearer.

1. Core Meaning:

"Necessity" essentially means something that is required or essential; something that must be done or has to exist. It's about what’s absolutely needed, often out of a situation or circumstance.

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to a thing or situation that is necessary.

    • Example: "Food and water are a basic necessity for survival."
    • Example: "The new regulations were imposed due to growing public necessity."
    • Example: "He felt a strong sense of necessity to leave the job."

  • Verb (less common): “Necessitate” means “to cause something to happen” or “to require something.”

    • Example: “The heavy rain necessitated the cancellation of the outdoor concert.” (The rain caused the cancellation.)
    • Example: “His illness necessitates rest and a healthy diet.” (His illness requires rest and diet.)

3. Common Phrases & Expressions:

  • "Out of necessity": This phrase emphasizes that something is being done because it’s unavoidable.

    • Example: "I had to take the job, out of necessity, to pay the bills."

  • "In the face of necessity": Meaning in the context of a difficult or urgent situation.

    • Example: “The government acted in the face of necessity to prevent a financial crisis.”

  • "A matter of necessity": Something that must be done regardless of how difficult or unpleasant it is.

    • Example: "Taking the medicine is a matter of necessity to cure the infection."

  • “Driven by necessity”: Suggests someone is acting due to a compelling need.

    • Example: “The desperate refugees were driven by necessity to seek sanctuary elsewhere.”

4. Context is Key:

The word “necessity” often carries a slightly negative connotation – something being required can imply a lack of choice. However, it’s not always negative. It can also describe a positive need or requirement.

5. Synonyms:

  • Requirement
  • Essential
  • Need
  • Imperative
  • Indispensable
  • Vital

Examples Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Negative (urgent, unavoidable): "The invasion necessitated a strict military curfew."
  • Neutral (required): "Exercise is a necessity for maintaining good health."
  • Positive (needed for a specific outcome): “Honesty is often necessary for building strong relationships.” (Here, it’s desirable, but essential for a good outcome.)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing or speaking are you trying to improve? (e.g., essays, conversations, emails?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you've tried to use "necessity" before? I can help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word necessity

Idioms of the word necessity

make a virtue of necessity
to manage to gain an advantage from something that you have to do and cannot avoid
  • She decided to make a virtue of necessity and combined a business trip to Paris with a visit to her cousins there.
necessity is the mother of invention
(saying)a difficult new problem forces people to think of a solution to it

    Practice with vocabulary necessity

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. In an increasingly competitive global market, continuous innovation has become a fundamental ____________ for companies to maintain their edge.
    2. For remote teams, effective communication tools are no longer a luxury but a practical ____________ to ensure seamless collaboration.
    3. Before submitting your grant application, fulfilling all the specified criteria is a strict ____________ set by the funding body.
    4. Given the urgent timeline, securing additional funding for the project was seen as a top ____________ by the project manager.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Developing a robust cybersecurity protocol is an absolute ____________ for any organization handling sensitive data. A) luxury B) choice C) necessity D) accessory E) imperative

    2. Which of the following terms best describes something absolutely indispensable for survival or success in a competitive market? A) redundancy B) amenity C) necessity D) superfluity E) requisite

    3. Addressing employee well-being is no longer seen as a peripheral issue but a fundamental ____________ for fostering productivity and retention. A) triviality B) convenience C) necessity D) discretion E) requirement

    4. Before enrolling in the advanced course, completion of the foundational modules is a strict ____________ set by the academic department. A) option B) supplement C) hindrance D) prerequisite E) bonus

    5. For complex problem-solving, it is ____________ to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. A) incidental B) optional C) unproductive D) crucial E) negligible

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: It is absolutely vital for employees to continuously update their skills to remain competitive in the current job market. Rewrite using "necessity" or a related word form.

    2. Original: The severe weather conditions made it impossible for the flight to depart on schedule. Rewrite using "necessity" or a related word form.

    3. Original: To ensure project success, clear communication channels between all stakeholders must be established. Rewrite without using "necessity" or any of its forms, using a suitable replacement word.

    Answer Key

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. necessity
    2. necessity
    3. requirement
    4. priority

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. C) necessity, E) imperative
    2. C) necessity, E) requisite
    3. C) necessity, E) requirement
    4. D) prerequisite
    5. D) crucial

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Continuous skill updating is a necessity for employees to remain competitive in the current job market.
    2. The severe weather conditions created a necessity for the flight's delayed departure.
    3. To ensure project success, clear communication channels between all stakeholders are an imperative.

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