must
Meaning
-
- To do as a requirement; indicates that the sentence subject is required as an imperative or directive to execute the sentence predicate, with failure to do so resulting in a failure or negative consequence.
- To do with certainty; indicates that the speaker is certain that the subject will have executed the predicate.
- Used to indicate that something is very likely, probable, or certain to be true.
Synonyms
need to
require
it is necessary
be necessary
unfermented grape juice
gram. imperative
be to
I hope
must be
must have
obliged to
I am sure
no doubt that
something that deserves attention
be compelled
is necessary
future imperative
be about to
be going to
be obliged
have got to
have to do
of necessity
Frequency
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈmʌst/
Etymology
From Middle English moste ("must", literally, "had to", the past tense of Middle English moten (“to have to”)), from Old English mōste (“had to”), 1st & 3rd person singular past tense of mōtan (“to be allowed, be able to, have the opportunity to, be compelled to, must, may”), from Proto-Germanic *mōtaną. Cognate with Dutch moest (“had to”), German musste (“had to”), Swedish måste (“must, have to, be obliged to”). More at mote.
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Notes