As necessary – Definition & Meaning

The phrase “as necessary” is commonly used in everyday language, but what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “as necessary”, its origin, and how it is used in different contexts.

Definitions

“As necessary” is a phrase that is used to indicate that something is required or needed. It is often used to describe a situation where something must be done, but only if it is required. The phrase can be used in various contexts, including in legal documents, medical prescriptions, and everyday conversation.

Origin

The phrase “as necessary” has been in use for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin phrase “ut necesse est”, which means “as it is necessary”. The phrase was later adopted into English and has been in use since the 16th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of “as necessary” is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “when required or needed”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “as needed or required”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “when it is needed or necessary”.

Associations

The phrase “as necessary” is often associated with the idea of something being required or needed. It is commonly used in medical settings to indicate that a treatment or medication is required for a patient’s recovery. It is also used in legal documents to indicate that a certain action must be taken if certain conditions are met.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for “as necessary”, including “if necessary”, “when needed”, “as required”, and “as needed”. These phrases are often used interchangeably with “as necessary” in everyday conversation.

Antonyms

The antonyms of “as necessary” are phrases that indicate something is not required or needed. These include “unnecessary”, “superfluous”, and “extraneous”.

The same root words

The word “necessary” is derived from the Latin word “necessarius”, which means “indispensable”. Other words that share the same root include “necessity”, “necessitate”, and “necessary”.

Example Sentences

1. The doctor prescribed pain medication as necessary for the patient’s recovery.
2. The company will implement new safety measures as necessary to ensure employee well-being.
3. The lawyer advised his client to take legal action as necessary to protect their rights.
4. The chef added salt and pepper to taste, adding more as necessary.
5. The teacher provided extra assistance to students as necessary to ensure their success.

In conclusion, “as necessary” is a phrase that is used to indicate that something is required or needed. It is commonly used in various contexts, including in medical, legal, and everyday conversation. Understanding the meaning and usage of this phrase is important for effective communication.