must

modal verb (NECESSARY)

strong /mʌst/ weak /məst/ /məs/

Definition

A2 used to show that it is necessary or very important that something happens in the present or future: Meat must be cooked thoroughly. I must get some sleep. You mustn't show this letter to anyone else. Luggage must not be left unattended (= it is against the rules).formal Must you leave so soon?formal "Must I sign this?" "Yes, you must."Essential or necessary › If you say that you must do something, you mean that you strongly intend to do something in the future: I must phone my sister. We must get someone to fix that wheel. I mustn't bite my nails.Planning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trapping › used for emphasis: I must say, you're looking extremely well. I must admit, I wasn't looking forward to it.Very and extremeComplete and wholeIntensifying expressions B1 If you tell someone else that they must do something pleasant, you are emphasizing that you think it is a good idea for them to do that: You must come and stay with us for the weekend. We must meet for lunch soon.Encouraging and urging onInspiration and inspiring

(Definition of must modal verb (NECESSARY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)