Meaning
2 sensesNeeded; necessary; mandatory; requisite; indispensable.
(archaic)Needy; in need.
More definitions
- necessary for relief or supply
Examples
3 sentencesPlease do the needful.
Darwin's health prevented more than two hours' work a day, and the flimsiest of novels was his needful relaxation.
To tear away from his dream world and, doing the daily needful, to step into reality was for Tom increasingly painful.
deEs wurde für Tom zu einer immer größeren Qual, aus seiner Phantasiewelt auszubrechen und zur Erledigung der notwendigen täglichen Aufgaben den Schritt in die Wirklichkeit zu tun. — Pfirsichbaeumchen
Origin
From Middle English needeful, nedeful, from Old English nēodful (“necessary; earnest; zealFrom Middle English needeful, nedeful, from Old English nēodful (“necessary; earnest; zealous”). Equivalent to need + -ful. Cognate with Dutch noodvol, German notvoll.
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Forms
more needful, most needful| Comparative | more needful Lesson |
|---|---|
| Superlative | most needful Lesson |
regular
Synonyms
3 synonymsAntonyms
1 antonymsWord family
3 related wordsLessons for this word
2 lessons- A2Comparatives — Because it has a comparative form
- A2Superlatives — Because it has a superlative form