necesitado
Lemma Details
Translation: needy; in need; destitute; necessitous
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of the verb 'necesitar' (to need), which comes from Latin 'necessitas' (necessity, need, unavoidability). The Latin root 'necesse' means 'unavoidable' or 'inevitable'. This shares the same Latin origin as the English words 'necessary' and 'necessity'. The suffix '-ado' is a common Spanish past participle ending that corresponds to '-ed' in English.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hay muchas familias necesitadas en este barrio.
There are many needy families in this neighborhood.
El programa ayuda a los más necesitados de la comunidad.
The program helps the most needy in the community.
Se siente necesitado de afecto.
He feels in need of affection.
Estamos necesitados de más recursos para continuar el proyecto.
We are in need of more resources to continue the project.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'necessary' + '-ed' = someone who necessarily needs help
- Visualize someone with a 'necessity' that is 'needed'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'necesitado' is often used in social service contexts and charity work. The term appears frequently in religious contexts, particularly in Catholic social teaching about helping those in need.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Necesitado' means 'needy' or 'in need', while 'necesario' means 'necessary' or 'required'.
Notes: While both words share the same root related to necessity, 'necesitado' describes a state of being (lacking something) while 'necesario' describes a quality (being required).
Mnemonic: 'Necesitado' ends in '-ado' like 'deprived' - someone who lacks something; 'necesario' ends in '-ario' like 'mandatory' - something that's required.
Explanation: 'Necesitado' is an adjective describing someone in need, while 'necesidad' is a noun meaning 'necessity' or 'need'.
Notes: 'Necesidad' is the abstract concept, while 'necesitado' describes the condition of experiencing that concept.
Mnemonic: 'Necesitado' describes a person, while 'necesidad' is the thing that is needed.