Word for Wednesday: Necessary

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Our Word for Wednesday theme for 2023 is tricky spelling words. This year, as well as sharing the definition and etymology of each week’s word, we will end every blog post with some tips and tricks to help you spell it.

So far in February, we've looked at the word receive. This week's word is necessary.

If something is necessary, it means it is essential or a requirement.

Here is necessary used in some example sentences:

  • Please bring the necessary protective clothing on the school trip.
  • It is necessary to get a good night’s sleep.
  • If necessary, I will do my homework before playing with my friends.

Necessary has been used in English since the  late-fourteenth century and comes from the Old French ‘necessaire’ from the Latin ‘necessarius’. ‘Necessarius’ comes from ‘necesse’ meaning unavoidable. 

The word necessary is covered in Unit 25. Word endings: -er, -ar, -or, -our, re, a and -ery, -ary and you can learn other -ary words in this spelling list.

Can you think of something that’s necessary to you to help you remember this word is spelt with one C and two Ss?

For example, 

  • It is necessary that I make my tea with one cup and two sugars. 
  • It is necessary that my shirt has one collar and two sleeves.

08 Feb 2023
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