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Needful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Needful means necessary or required. It is often used to describe something essential or important that must be done or obtained, as in Do the needful to mean Take the necessary action.

needful

/ˈnidfəl/ /ˈniːdfʊl/

Definition:

Necessary or required; something that is essential or indispensable.

Synonyms:

necessary, essential, required, requisite

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

unnecessary, superfluous

Common Collocations:

needful things, do the needful, needful action, needful arrangements

Derivatives:

needfully, needfulness

Usage Tips:

Use "needful" formally to describe essential actions or items; often appears in phrases like "do the needful."

Common Phrases:

do the needful, the needful things, all that is needful

Etymology:

Originates from Old English "nēod" (need) + "-ful," meaning "full of necessity."

Examples:

  • 1. Please do the needful at your earliest convenience.
  • 2. She gathered all the needful documents for the application.
  • 3. The manager ensured that every needful step was taken.
  • 4. He focused on the needful tasks to complete the project.

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