Definition

Adverb: 1. As an inevitable or unavoidable consequence: Used to indicate that something is logically required or must be true as a result of a given fact or situation. 2. In an essential or inherent manner: Used to describe something that is a fundamental or required part of a process or condition.

Usage and Examples

• As an inevitable consequence:
  • If the contract is signed, we are necessarily obligated to fulfill its terms.
  • A conclusion that does not follow from the premises is necessarily invalid.
• In an essential manner:
  • The job necessarily involves a lot of travel.
  • Learning a language necessarily requires practice and time.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "Not necessarily": This is a very common phrase used to indicate that something is not always true or is not required. It softens a statement or contradicts an assumption.
  • Expensive restaurants are not necessarily the best. (They are not always the best.)
  • He said he would come, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will. (It is not an absolute guarantee.)

Variants and Related Words

• Necessary (adjective): Required to be done, achieved, or present; needed; essential.
  • Sleep is necessary for good health.
• Necessitate (verb): To make (something) necessary as a result or to require.
  • The crisis necessitated immediate action.

Synonyms

• Inevitably: As is certain to happen; unavoidably.
• Unavoidably: In a way that cannot be avoided or prevented.
• Inextricably: In a way that is impossible to separate or disentangle.
• Essentially: Used to emphasize the basic, fundamental, or intrinsic nature of a person or thing.

Antonyms

• Unnecessarily: In a way that is not necessary.
• Optionally: Available to be chosen but not obligatory.

Adverb

1. as a highly likely consequence
   • we are necessarily bound for federalism in Europe
2. in such a manner as could not be otherwise
   • it is necessarily so
   • we must needs by objective
3. in an essential manner
   • such expenses are necessarily incurred