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Necessary vs. Necessity

What's the Difference?

Necessary and Necessity are closely related terms that both convey the idea of something being required or essential. However, while Necessary is an adjective that describes something as being needed or indispensable, Necessity is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being necessary. In other words, Necessary is used to describe specific things or actions, while Necessity is used to discuss the overall concept of requirement or essentiality. Both terms are important in emphasizing the importance of certain elements in various contexts.

Comparison

Necessary
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AttributeNecessaryNecessity
DefinitionSomething that is required or essentialThe state or quality of being necessary
UsageAdjectiveNoun
MeaningIndispensable, must haveThe quality of being needed or required
ExamplesFood and water are necessary for survivalThe necessity of having shelter in extreme weather conditions
Necessity
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Further Detail

Definition

When looking at the attributes of "necessary" and "necessity," it is important to first understand the definitions of these two words. "Necessary" is an adjective that means something that is required or essential. It is something that cannot be done without. On the other hand, "necessity" is a noun that refers to the state or fact of being required or indispensable. It is the quality of being necessary or essential.

Usage

One key difference between "necessary" and "necessity" is their usage in sentences. "Necessary" is often used to describe something that must be done or obtained in order to achieve a certain goal or outcome. For example, "It is necessary to study for the exam in order to pass." On the other hand, "necessity" is used to refer to the essential nature of something. For example, "Food and water are necessities for survival."

Grammatical Function

Another important aspect to consider when comparing "necessary" and "necessity" is their grammatical function. As mentioned earlier, "necessary" is an adjective, which means it is used to modify a noun or pronoun. It provides more information about the noun or pronoun it is describing. For example, "Water is necessary for life." On the other hand, "necessity" is a noun, which means it can be the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb. For example, "The necessity of sleep is often overlooked."

Synonyms

While "necessary" and "necessity" are not synonyms, they do have some overlap in meaning. Some synonyms for "necessary" include essential, required, vital, and indispensable. These words all convey the idea of something that is needed or must be done. On the other hand, some synonyms for "necessity" include need, requirement, essential, and must. These words all emphasize the importance or essential nature of something.

Examples

To further illustrate the differences between "necessary" and "necessity," let's look at some examples of how these words are used in sentences. "It is necessary to wear a seatbelt while driving to ensure safety." In this sentence, "necessary" is used to describe the action of wearing a seatbelt as essential for safety. On the other hand, "Food and shelter are basic necessities for human survival." In this sentence, "necessities" is used to refer to the essential needs of food and shelter for human survival.

Context

Context is also important when considering the attributes of "necessary" and "necessity." The context in which these words are used can affect their meaning and implications. For example, in a medical context, a surgery may be deemed necessary for a patient's health. In this case, "necessary" is used to indicate that the surgery is essential for the patient's well-being. On the other hand, in a legal context, the necessity defense may be used to justify an action that would otherwise be considered illegal. In this case, "necessity" is used to argue that the action was required under the circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "necessary" and "necessity" are related in meaning, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. "Necessary" is an adjective that describes something as essential or required, while "necessity" is a noun that refers to the essential nature of something. Understanding the differences in usage, grammatical function, synonyms, examples, and context can help clarify the distinctions between these two words and how they are used in language.

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