Definition of “necessary” - English Dictionary

American

“necessary” in English

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necessaryadjective

uk ​ /ˈnes.ə.ser.i/ us ​ /ˈnes.ə.ser.i/

B1 needed in order to achieve a particular result:

He lacks the necessary skills for the job.
I don't have much time so I won't be staying any longer than necessary.
Just do what's necessary and then leave.
If necessary, we can always change the dates of our trip.
Is it necessary for all of us to be present at the meeting this afternoon?
We don't want to take any more luggage with us than is strictly necessary.

› used in negatives and questions to show that you disapprove of something and do not think it should be used or done:

I don't think that kind of language is necessary in a show that kids could be watching.
Was it really necessary for you to say that?

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(Definition of “necessary” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“necessary” in American English

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necessaryadjective

us ​ /ˈnes·əˌser·i/

› needed in order to achieve a particular result:

Don’t take any more luggage than is strictly necessary.
He lacks the necessary skills for the job.
If necessary, we can always change the date of our trip.
necessary evil

› A necessary evil is something unpleasant that must be accepted in order to achieve a particular result:

Most Americans accept taxes as a necessary evil.

› Necessary can be used in negatives and questions to show that you disapprove of something and do not think it should be done:

[ + to infinitive ] Was it really necessary to say that?

(Definition of “necessary” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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You must read this! (‘Have to’ or ‘must’?)

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