must1 modal verbmust2 noun
mustmust1 /məst; strong mʌst/ ●●● S1 W1 modal verb (negative short form mustn’t) 
WORD ORIGINmust1
Origin:
Old English moste, from motan ‘to be allowed to, have to’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Cox must have forgotten all about our appointment.
- Elsa must be furious with her.
- I must stop by sometime and thank her for all her help.
- Identification must be carried at all times.
- Production costs must not exceed $400,000.
- The $55 passport fee must accompany your application.
- The plants must need watering by now.
- This stereo must have cost a lot of money.
- We must make every effort towards peace.
- You must come and visit us in Houston.
- And he must eat some salad.
- As a prior step, however, we must look at the second general form of political behavior, political actions.
- Certainly it must help them locate a mate and induce a feeling of social togetherness.
- I must thank Gene for showing me his method of flashing.
- Poor Madame, I thought, how deeply she must resent my usurping her place.
- The capital asset of the farms had little importance for most yet in some areas the value must have been substantial.
- The longer-term affect of television on the House must await further research.
- To create these things, we must begin by remembering that we are all in this together.
THESAURUS
used when saying that it is very important that someone does something, because someone in authority or a rule says this, or because of the situation: · You must be home by midnight.· He must not smoke in here.· I must remember to call her.
to need to do something because it is necessary or important: · I have to go home early.· She has to talk to him first.
to have to do something, because of a rule or law, or because of the situation you are in: · Members of parliament are obliged to declare all their financial interests.· He was obliged to admit defeat.
formal to have to do something because of a rule or law – used especially in written notices and official documents: · New students are required to register with a doctor.
(also be under an obligation to do something) to have to do something because it is the duty of someone in your position to do it, or because you have officially agreed to do it: · The landlord is under an obligation to keep the building in good repair.
to have to do something that you do not want to do, because you are in a situation that makes it impossible to avoid: · She was forced to retire early due to ill health.
Longman Language Activatorwhen a situation forces you to do something · We must get this work finished today.· Must you leave so soon?· Before we go and see Ian there's something I have to do.· Do we have to stay for the whole show?have got to do something · I've got to go to London tomorrow for a meeting.must/have to · I didn't really want to go by train, but I had to because my car was still being repaired.· I hate to make the trip this time of year, but I really must.
to have to do something because you think it is necessary or someone else thinks it is necessary: · We need to buy some more potatoes.· Simon knew that he needed to raise the money quickly.· Do I really need to go to this meeting?
/be compelled to do something/be obliged to do something to have to do something that you do not want to do because you are in a situation that makes it impossible to avoid: · She was forced to retire early due to ill health.· We may be obliged to scrap the project if we don't get more funding.· Organizers were compelled to cancel the event after the sponsors pulled out.
to have to do something, even though you do not want to, because there is nothing else you can possibly do in the situation: · The authorities say that they had to close the hospital - they had no alternative.have no alternative but to do something: · He had no alternative but to resign.
when a rule or law forces you to do something · All competitors must arrive by 10:00 a.m.· All visitors have to sign in at the main reception desk.· I'm not sure what the procedure is -- you might have to make a written complaint.must/have to · I don't want to get rid of the animals, but we have to.
formal to have to do something, because of a legal or professional rule: · Doctors are obliged by law to try to keep their patients alive.· Members of parliament are obliged to declare all their financial interests.
formal to have to do something - used especially in written notices and official documents: · Visitors are required to register their names on arrival.· Under the law the President is required to notify Congress when US troops are likely to be involved in hostilities.· Companies are legally required to keep records of all their financial transactions.
to have to do something because it is the duty of someone in your position to do it, or because you have officially agreed to do it: · Anyone who rents a house is under an obligation to keep it clean and tidy.· Having promised to cut taxes, the government now has an obligation to do so.
something that is compulsory must be done, used, or provided because of a rule or law: · Smoke detectors are compulsory in all new buildings.· Compulsory education (=when all children have to go to school) was introduced in 1870.compulsory for: · Maths and English are compulsory for all students.it is compulsory (for somebody) to do something: · It is now compulsory for anyone claiming state benefit to register with a job centre.
something that is mandatory must be done because of the law: · Drug smuggling carries a mandatory death sentence.mandatory for: · In some countries, wearing helmets is mandatory for all cyclists.
something that is obligatory must be done because of a rule or law, or because it is expected that you will do it: · Evening dress is usual, but not obligatory.obligatory for: · Military service is obligatory for all men between 18 and 27.it is obligatory (for somebody) to do something: · It is now obligatory for all competitors to wear face protectors.
when you feel that you should do something because it would be right · Everyone will be expecting me so I have to go.· I must write and thank her for the lovely flowers she sent me.must/have to · I don't really want to spend Christmas with my family, but I suppose I have to.
to feel that you should do something because other people expect you to do it and will be disappointed or upset if you do not: · I felt obliged to invite all my family, although I didn't really want to.
formal to feel very strongly that you must do something, because it is the right thing to do and people expect you to do it: · No one should feel compelled to take part. It should be voluntary.· I felt compelled to say something in Henry's defence.
formal to feel that it is your moral duty to do something: · I feel impelled to write and tell you how disappointed I am with your newspaper.· Sarah felt impelled to stay at home and look after her parents.
when a job, plan etc includes something that you must do if a job, plan, piece of work etc entails something, you have to do it because this is part of the job, plan etc: · I didn't want to take on a job that would entail a lot of travelling.entail doing something: · The job entailed being on call twenty-four hours a day.
if something such as a job, plan, decision etc involves something, you have to do it because it is part of the job, plan etc: · Community service can involve anything from gardening to helping in old people's homes.involve doing something: · The plan involves converting the old canteen into a sports hall.
when you do not have to do something if you do not have to do something, you can do it if you want, but you are not forced to do it, either by a rule or by another person, or by the situation you are in: · Paola was fortunate in that she came from a wealthy family and didn't have to work.· You don't have to go if you don't want to.
spoken say this to tell someone that it is not necessary for them to do something: · There's no need to do the dishes - I'll do them in the morning.there's no need for somebody to do something: · There's no need for you to bring any food - it's all being provided.
if something is unnecessary or not necessary , it is not needed or there is no good reason for you to do it: · They want to build another shopping mall here, but we think it's completely unnecessary.it is unnecessary/not necessary to do something: · It's not necessary to wash your hair every day.
to not have to do something, because it is not necessary: · You don't need to tell Sandy - she already knows.· You needn't come with me - I can find my own way to the station.· Marian was one of those lucky students who didn't need to work hard to do well.
to not have to do something if you do not want to, especially in a situation where you might feel that you have to because other people will be upset or disappointed if you do not: · The firm is under no obligation to offer you a job.not be under any obligation to do something: · You are not under any obligation to buy anything.
if something is optional , you do not have to do it or use it but you can if you want to: · You don't have to do French - it's optional.· The holiday price includes entertainment in the evenings, and there are optional excursions on offer every day.optional for: · General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
a voluntary activity is one that you do because you want to do it, especially because you believe it is useful or will help other people, and not because you have to: · The council is trying to get more young people involved in doing voluntary work.· We get all our money from voluntary contributions.
when you must not do something use this to tell or order someone not to do something: · This book must not be removed from the library.must not/mustn't do something: · Remember, you mustn't tell anyone about this.
spoken use this to say that someone is not allowed to do something: · "Ben wants to borrow the car." "Well tell him he can't."can't do something: · I'm sorry, you know I can't discuss my work - it's confidential.
when you feel sure about something if you are sure about something, you believe that it is definitely true or correct: · 'The car was a BMW' 'Are you sure?'sure (that): · I'm surprised she isn't here - I was sure she would come.· Are you quite sure that he understood your instructions?sure about: · I think children are influenced by these films, but it's impossible to be sure about this.sure of: · You need to be sure of your facts before making any accusations.pretty sure: · I'm pretty sure Barbara still works here.absolutely sure: · We do not believe this is the body of the missing girl, but we have to check to be absolutely sure.
completely sure that something is true: certain (that): · Are you certain you didn't leave your keys at home?certain about: · He was certain about one thing - she would come back one day.certain of: · She won't let you borrow the car - I'm certain of that.absolutely certain: · Don't stop looking until you're absolutely certain you've found the place you want.
especially spoken completely sure that something is true - use this especially when other people are saying it might not be true: · "Are you sure you locked the door?" "Yes, I'm positive."positive (that): · She said she was positive the exam was next Tuesday.absolutely positive: · I'm absolutely positive I haven't made a mistake.
sure that something is true, even when you cannot prove it: convinced (that): · We've had no news of him, but we're convinced he's still alive.· She became convinced that her boyfriend was seeing someone else.convinced of: · Brown's wife was convinced of his innocence.
to be so certain about something that there are no doubts in your mind: have no doubt (that): · I've no doubt that his story is true.have no doubt about/of: · My boss told me he had no doubt about my abilities as a salesman.
to have a strong feeling that something is right or true, although there may be nothing to prove: know (that): · Sally knew that she and Carl would be the best of friends.· I just know your mother will love this necklace.· As soon as the phone rang, we knew something terrible must have happened.know it: · She's going to pass -- I just know it!
sure that you know the truth about something that has happened, because you have enough information: satisfied (that): · Police are now satisfied that her death was an accident.
sure that something good will happen, or that you will be able to achieve what you want: · ''Do you think you'll win tomorrow's game?'' - ''Well, we're all feeling pretty confident''.confident (that): · Doctors are confident that he'll make a full recovery.confident of: · A spokesman said the government was confident of winning the vote and would not discuss the possibility of defeat.
spoken informal say this when you feel sure that something is true: I bet (that): · I bet you're tired after such a long journey.· I bet she hasn't told her parents about this.
especially spoken if you say that something must be true or must have happened, you are sure about it, because of information you have or things you have noticed that make it seem very likely: · You must remember Sally Newton. She was in our French class.must have: · Kim didn't answer when I called - she must have gone to bed.· She didn't get into movies just because her mother was a famous actress, but it must have helped.
especially spoken if you say that something can't be true or can't have happened, you are sure that it is not true or has not happened: · He says he's 21 but he can't be older than 18.can't have: · She can't have gone to bed yet - it's only 8 o'clock.· If you failed that exam you can't have worked very hard.
you say I'd put money on it when you are so sure of something that you would be willing to take the chance of losing money if you were wrong: · "Do you really think the president will win again?'' "I'd put money on it.''
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
I was sure I posted the letter but I must have dreamt it. If you must know, I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something). He can’t possibly get that finished in time. He must be mad!
(=used when saying that you admit that something is true)· I must admit I hate camping.
(=used when admitting something you feel slightly embarrassed about) I must confess I don’t visit my parents as often as I should.
I must confess I don’t visit my parents as often as I should. I was sure I posted the letter but I must have dreamt it. If you must know, I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something). He can’t possibly get that finished in time. He must be mad! (=used when you think someone has made a mistake)· There must be some mistake. I definitely booked a room for tonight.
(=used when you think someone has not understood something correctly)· I think there must be some misunderstanding - I don’t know anyone called Barry.
· She felt she had to obey her father, even though she thought he was wrong.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► a must-have/must-see/must-read etc► (why) must you ...?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► you’ve made your bed and you must lie on it► (I) must dash/(I) have to dash► something must not go any further► I must/I’d better be getting along► you’re joking/you must be joking► needs must (when the devil drives)► must/should etc be pushing along
1 (past tense had to) to have to do something because it is necessary or important, or because of a law or order: - "Who was that girl?" "Well, if you must know, her name is Mabel."
- If you must travel at night in dangerous areas, turn on the interior light in your car.
- But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
- But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
- But if you must..
- It's better not to use a flannel, but if you must, keep a separate one. 6.
- Look, if you must know!
- These people here have so little conception of our world that sometimes I feel myself as if I must have dreamed it.
- Very well, she'd tell them, leave if you must, but I want no abuse, is that clear?
- What good was freedom if he must give up his home to win it?
- April 14, if you must know.
- But I was extremely jealous of him, if you must know.
- But if you must know, Mrs. Jewkes was present.
- I had a bad dose of influenza, if you must know.
- It's my sister Rose's birthday on Sunday, if you must know.
- More than enough, if you must know.
- At this point I must say that I haven't yet found a carp that didn't eat Tropicanas.
- But I must say I was deeply disappointed.
- But I must say she's not always as fractious as she appears now.
- He went very red in the face. I must say he never did it again.
- Lovely site for it, I must say.
- Some one must have brought it here for a purpose, but I must admit it looks abandoned.
- They were very polite, I must confess....
- This procedure is, I must admit, a limited one, and it is vulnerable to criticism.
- As a scheduled operator, Virgin must fly its 400-seat jumbos even if there are only a handful of passengers on board.
- He is expected eventually to rule that the Union flag must fly, and he called the row unnecessary.
- If Jerba was picturesque, Nefta is magical and I regret that I must fly home in a week.
- Second, it must fly swiftly away from the nest and alight some distance from it.
- To keep your pilot's licence you must fly 5 hours each year minimum.
- What is more, it is able to tell others what direction they must fly in order to get food themselves.
- With me on his back he must fly down to the Gruncher.
- And first I must say why I need to make this digression.
- And I must say, on what I see, your methods seem to work well.
- I was pleased to find out, I must say.
- Tell me more of it ... I must say my thoughts to you.
- The first day of my trip is now completed, and all in all, I must say I am quite satisfied.
- Though, I must say, mediocrity never looked better.
- When I did find out what he was thinking, I must say I was surprised.
All passengers must wear seat belts. It’s getting late. I really must go. You must work hard. We must all be patient. Must I pay now? For the engine to work, the green lever must be in the ‘up’ position. Accidents must be reported to the safety officer.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say someone has to or has got to do something rather than say they must do something, which can sound slightly formal or emphatic:· Everyone has to wear a seat belt.· I‘ve got to go at four o’clock.· Do I have to pay now?2used in negative sentences to say that something should not happen, because of a rule or law or because of the situation: You mustn’t talk to your mother like that. This book must not be removed from the library. We must never forget how much we owe to these brave men. No one must disturb him while he’s sleeping.3used to say you think something is very likely to be true or very likely to have happened: Sam must be nearly 90 years old now. His new car must have cost around £20,000. You must have been really upset. There must be something wrong with the engine. Karl must’ve seen ‘Star Wars’ six or seven times.4 spoken used to suggest that someone should do something, especially because you think they will enjoy it or you think it is a good idea: You must come and stay with us in London sometime. ‘We must do this again,’ he said. ‘I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly.’5especially British English spoken used to say that you intend or want to do something: I must call her tonight.6I must admit/say/confess spoken used to emphasize what you are saying: I must say, it gave me quite a shock.7(why) must you ...? spoken used to tell someone that their behaviour upsets or annoys you: Must you spoil everything? Why must you always be so suspicious?8a must-have/must-see/must-read etc informal something that is so good, exciting, or interesting that you think people should have it, see it etc: The exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese art. a must-read novel9if you must (do something) spoken used to tell someone that they are allowed to do something, but that you do not approve of it or agree with it: All right, come along, if you must. If you must smoke, please go outside.10if you must know spoken used when you answer a question that you think someone should not have asked, because it is slightly impolite: Well, if you must know, I’m thirty-six. → you must be joking at joke2(2)GRAMMAR: Comparisonmust• You say that you must do something: · I must get a new key.• Don’t use ‘to’ after must. ✗Don’t say: I must to get a new key.• You use must not when saying someone should not do something, for example because it is dangerous or wrong: · You must not leave without telling me where you’re going.• You say that something must have happened, or that someone must have done something, when you are fairly sure that this is true, based on what you know: · They must have caught an earlier train.have to• You say that you have to do something: · She has to do some shopping.• You use don’t have to when it is not necessary for someone to do something: · You don’t have to leave yet.• You use had to instead of ‘must’ when talking about the past: · He had to get up early the next day.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSmust do something used when saying that it is very important that someone does something, because someone in authority or a rule says this, or because of the situation: · You must be home by midnight.· He must not smoke in here.· I must remember to call her.have to do something to need to do something because it is necessary or important: · I have to go home early.· She has to talk to him first.be obliged to do something to have to do something, because of a rule or law, or because of the situation you are in: · Members of parliament are obliged to declare all their financial interests.· He was obliged to admit defeat.be required to do something formal to have to do something because of a rule or law – used especially in written notices and official documents: · New students are required to register with a doctor.have an obligation to do something (also be under an obligation to do something) to have to do something because it is the duty of someone in your position to do it, or because you have officially agreed to do it: · The landlord is under an obligation to keep the building in good repair.be forced/compelled to do something to have to do something that you do not want to do, because you are in a situation that makes it impossible to avoid: · She was forced to retire early due to ill health.must1 modal verbmust2 noun
mustmust2 /mʌst/ noun [countable usually singular] WORD ORIGINmust2
Origin:
1800-1900 ➔ MUST1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Goggles are a must for skiing while it's snowing.
- Another must is the excursion to Hallstatt and Gosau, two of the most beautiful spots in the Salzkammergut.
- But, before leaving the Thatcher phenomenon, a glance at the Falklands War and what preceded it is a must.
- Citronella candles are a must at an outdoor do.
- Come dessert time, the fresh guavas in cream or the not too sweet, ultra creamy flan is a must.
- In the absence of a hood a good cover glass is a must.
- It comes with eight megabytes of random access memory, a must since it also comes with Windows 95.
- The site covers several kilometres, so good walking shoes and a hat are a must.
- These friendly classes are so popular, numbers are restricted and booking is a must.
Longman Language Activatorwhen a situation forces you to do something
· We must get this work finished today.· Must you leave so soon?· Before we go and see Ian there's something I have to do.· Do we have to stay for the whole show?have got to do something · I've got to go to London tomorrow for a meeting.must/have to · I didn't really want to go by train, but I had to because my car was still being repaired.· I hate to make the trip this time of year, but I really must.
to have to do something because you think it is necessary or someone else thinks it is necessary: · We need to buy some more potatoes.· Simon knew that he needed to raise the money quickly.· Do I really need to go to this meeting?
/be compelled to do something/be obliged to do something to have to do something that you do not want to do because you are in a situation that makes it impossible to avoid: · She was forced to retire early due to ill health.· We may be obliged to scrap the project if we don't get more funding.· Organizers were compelled to cancel the event after the sponsors pulled out.
to have to do something, even though you do not want to, because there is nothing else you can possibly do in the situation: · The authorities say that they had to close the hospital - they had no alternative.have no alternative but to do something: · He had no alternative but to resign.
when a rule or law forces you to do something · All competitors must arrive by 10:00 a.m.· All visitors have to sign in at the main reception desk.· I'm not sure what the procedure is -- you might have to make a written complaint.must/have to · I don't want to get rid of the animals, but we have to.
formal to have to do something, because of a legal or professional rule: · Doctors are obliged by law to try to keep their patients alive.· Members of parliament are obliged to declare all their financial interests.
formal to have to do something - used especially in written notices and official documents: · Visitors are required to register their names on arrival.· Under the law the President is required to notify Congress when US troops are likely to be involved in hostilities.· Companies are legally required to keep records of all their financial transactions.
to have to do something because it is the duty of someone in your position to do it, or because you have officially agreed to do it: · Anyone who rents a house is under an obligation to keep it clean and tidy.· Having promised to cut taxes, the government now has an obligation to do so.
something that is compulsory must be done, used, or provided because of a rule or law: · Smoke detectors are compulsory in all new buildings.· Compulsory education (=when all children have to go to school) was introduced in 1870.compulsory for: · Maths and English are compulsory for all students.it is compulsory (for somebody) to do something: · It is now compulsory for anyone claiming state benefit to register with a job centre.
something that is mandatory must be done because of the law: · Drug smuggling carries a mandatory death sentence.mandatory for: · In some countries, wearing helmets is mandatory for all cyclists.
something that is obligatory must be done because of a rule or law, or because it is expected that you will do it: · Evening dress is usual, but not obligatory.obligatory for: · Military service is obligatory for all men between 18 and 27.it is obligatory (for somebody) to do something: · It is now obligatory for all competitors to wear face protectors.
when you feel that you should do something because it would be right · Everyone will be expecting me so I have to go.· I must write and thank her for the lovely flowers she sent me.must/have to · I don't really want to spend Christmas with my family, but I suppose I have to.
to feel that you should do something because other people expect you to do it and will be disappointed or upset if you do not: · I felt obliged to invite all my family, although I didn't really want to.
formal to feel very strongly that you must do something, because it is the right thing to do and people expect you to do it: · No one should feel compelled to take part. It should be voluntary.· I felt compelled to say something in Henry's defence.
formal to feel that it is your moral duty to do something: · I feel impelled to write and tell you how disappointed I am with your newspaper.· Sarah felt impelled to stay at home and look after her parents.
when a job, plan etc includes something that you must do if a job, plan, piece of work etc entails something, you have to do it because this is part of the job, plan etc: · I didn't want to take on a job that would entail a lot of travelling.entail doing something: · The job entailed being on call twenty-four hours a day.
if something such as a job, plan, decision etc involves something, you have to do it because it is part of the job, plan etc: · Community service can involve anything from gardening to helping in old people's homes.involve doing something: · The plan involves converting the old canteen into a sports hall.
when you do not have to do something if you do not have to do something, you can do it if you want, but you are not forced to do it, either by a rule or by another person, or by the situation you are in: · Paola was fortunate in that she came from a wealthy family and didn't have to work.· You don't have to go if you don't want to.
spoken say this to tell someone that it is not necessary for them to do something: · There's no need to do the dishes - I'll do them in the morning.there's no need for somebody to do something: · There's no need for you to bring any food - it's all being provided.
if something is unnecessary or not necessary , it is not needed or there is no good reason for you to do it: · They want to build another shopping mall here, but we think it's completely unnecessary.it is unnecessary/not necessary to do something: · It's not necessary to wash your hair every day.
to not have to do something, because it is not necessary: · You don't need to tell Sandy - she already knows.· You needn't come with me - I can find my own way to the station.· Marian was one of those lucky students who didn't need to work hard to do well.
to not have to do something if you do not want to, especially in a situation where you might feel that you have to because other people will be upset or disappointed if you do not: · The firm is under no obligation to offer you a job.not be under any obligation to do something: · You are not under any obligation to buy anything.
if something is optional , you do not have to do it or use it but you can if you want to: · You don't have to do French - it's optional.· The holiday price includes entertainment in the evenings, and there are optional excursions on offer every day.optional for: · General Studies is optional for sixth-form students.
a voluntary activity is one that you do because you want to do it, especially because you believe it is useful or will help other people, and not because you have to: · The council is trying to get more young people involved in doing voluntary work.· We get all our money from voluntary contributions.
when you must not do something use this to tell or order someone not to do something: · This book must not be removed from the library.must not/mustn't do something: · Remember, you mustn't tell anyone about this.
spoken use this to say that someone is not allowed to do something: · "Ben wants to borrow the car." "Well tell him he can't."can't do something: · I'm sorry, you know I can't discuss my work - it's confidential.
necessary if something is necessary , you need to have it or do it: · He produced the necessary documents and handed them to her.necessary for: · Fats in our diet are necessary for both heat and energy.if necessary (=if it is necessary): · If necessary, we will have to employ some outside people to finish the job.it is necessary (for somebody) to do something formal: · It will be necessary to close the pool while the repairs take place.· The doctor says it may be necessary for me to have an operation.
if something is essential , you need it because you cannot be successful, healthy, safe etc without it: · If you're going hiking in the mountains, a decent pair of boots is essential.· The tourist industry is now acknowledged as an essential part of the Spanish economy.essential for: · Calcium is essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones.it is essential to do something: · It is essential to read any document carefully before you sign it.it is essential that: · It is essential that the oil is checked every 10,000 km.
if something is vital , it is extremely important and you will have serious problems if you do not have it or do it: · In this job, the ability to remain calm is vital.· The European Space Agency said that a vital piece of equipment on the craft had stopped functioning.vital for: · Regular exercise is vital for your health.it is vital that: · It is vital that you keep accurate tax records.
someone or something that is indispensable is extremely useful and it is almost impossible to do something without them: · If you're planning on going sightseeing around the old city, a guide is indispensable.indispensable to: · The book will be indispensable to anyone who wishes to learn more about the British Royal Family.
if something is a necessity , you must have it for your job or for your life, and it is not something that you only have for pleasure: · For most people, a good guidebook is a necessity when travelling.· If you live in a place like London, a car alarm is an absolute necessity.
informal if you say that something such as a book, film, or type of clothes is a must , you mean that people must read, see, or wear it, because it is very fashionable, enjoyable, interesting etc - used especially in advertisements and magazines: · If you're interested in the early history of aviation, this book is a must.be a must for somebody: · Ankle boots are a must for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest fashions this autumn.
also requisite formal necessary for a particular purpose, especially according to a law or rule: · They failed to submit their plans in the required time limit.· If the proposed piece of legislation fails to get the requisite two-thirds majority in Parliament, it cannot become law.required for: · In my opinion, she does not have the qualifications required for the job.· Research and writing have become requisite for career advancement in academia.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I was sure I posted the letter but I must have dreamt it. If you must know, I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something). He can’t possibly get that finished in time. He must be mad!
(=used when saying that you admit that something is true)· I must admit I hate camping.
(=used when admitting something you feel slightly embarrassed about) I must confess I don’t visit my parents as often as I should.
I must confess I don’t visit my parents as often as I should. I was sure I posted the letter but I must have dreamt it. If you must know, I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something). He can’t possibly get that finished in time. He must be mad! (=used when you think someone has made a mistake)· There must be some mistake. I definitely booked a room for tonight.
(=used when you think someone has not understood something correctly)· I think there must be some misunderstanding - I don’t know anyone called Barry.
· She felt she had to obey her father, even though she thought he was wrong.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· The cricket world cup is an absolute must.· A small set of binoculars are useful for this work and polarising sunglasses are an absolute must.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► you’ve made your bed and you must lie on it► (I) must dash/(I) have to dash► something must not go any further► I must/I’d better be getting along► you’re joking/you must be joking► needs must (when the devil drives)► must/should etc be pushing along
something that you must do or must have: - As a scheduled operator, Virgin must fly its 400-seat jumbos even if there are only a handful of passengers on board.
- He is expected eventually to rule that the Union flag must fly, and he called the row unnecessary.
- If Jerba was picturesque, Nefta is magical and I regret that I must fly home in a week.
- Second, it must fly swiftly away from the nest and alight some distance from it.
- To keep your pilot's licence you must fly 5 hours each year minimum.
- What is more, it is able to tell others what direction they must fly in order to get food themselves.
- With me on his back he must fly down to the Gruncher.
- And first I must say why I need to make this digression.
- And I must say, on what I see, your methods seem to work well.
- I was pleased to find out, I must say.
- Tell me more of it ... I must say my thoughts to you.
- The first day of my trip is now completed, and all in all, I must say I am quite satisfied.
- Though, I must say, mediocrity never looked better.
- When I did find out what he was thinking, I must say I was surprised.
Warm clothes are a must in the mountains.