of necessity

of necessity

1. Literally, having to do with or relating to necessity. You don't seem to understand that the issues of necessity and pragmatism outweigh those idealism and desire.

2. Absolutely necessary; of the utmost importance. This is a matter of necessity for us—if we don't secure this investment, the company is as good as finished.

3. Necessarily; as an inevitable or unavoidable outcome or consequence. Of necessity, we are closing the factory for the week to allow investigators to conduct their examination.

See also: necessity, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

of necessity

Also, out of necessity. As an inevitable consequence, unavoidably, as in the New Testament: "Of necessity he must release one unto them at the Feast" (Luke 23:17). [Late 1300s]

See also: necessity, of

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

of necessity

As an inevitable consequence; necessarily.

See also: necessity, of

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.