necesidad
Lemma Details
Translation: need; necessity; requirement; want
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'necessitas' (necessity, unavoidability), derived from 'necesse' (unavoidable, necessary). The English cognate 'necessity' shares the same Latin root. The word embodies the concept of something that cannot be avoided or is indispensable, reflecting its essential nature in both languages.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'necessary' in English with an added '-dad' ending, which forms many Spanish nouns.
- Remember the phrase 'es una necesidad' (it's a necessity) to recall both meaning and gender.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'necesidad' often carries social implications beyond basic physical needs, extending to social necessities and obligations. The phrase 'pasar necesidad' (to experience hardship or poverty) is commonly used to describe economic struggles.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Necesidad' is the noun (necessity/need) while 'necesario' is the adjective (necessary).
Notes: Both words come from the same Latin root but serve different grammatical functions.
Mnemonic: 'Necesidad' ends in '-dad' like many Spanish nouns (verdad, ciudad), while 'necesario' ends in '-rio' like many adjectives.
Explanation: 'Necesidad' is the noun (need) while 'necesitar' is the verb (to need).
This word:
Tengo una necesidad.
I have a need.
Confused word:
Necesito ayuda.
I need help.
Notes: The verb 'necesitar' is derived from the noun 'necesidad'.
Mnemonic: Verbs in Spanish typically end in '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' (necesitar), while many abstract nouns end in '-dad' (necesidad).