Must

Definition

Must is a modal verb and a noun. As a modal verb, it expresses necessity, obligation, or certainty. As a noun, it refers to an essential requirement or the juice of freshly pressed grapes used in winemaking.

Parts of Speech

• Modal Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /mʌst/
• Respelling (verb): MUST
• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /mʌst/
• Respelling (noun): MUST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /mʌst/
• Respelling (verb): MUST
• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /mʌst/
• Respelling (noun): MUST

Etymology

The word "must" as a modal verb originates from Old English "moste," the past tense of "motan," meaning "to be able to" or "to be obliged to." As a noun, it comes from Latin "mustum," meaning "new wine" or "freshly pressed grape juice."

Derivatives

• Mustiness (noun)
• Musty (adjective)
• Must-have (noun/adjective)
• Mustn't (contraction)
• Mustinesses (plural noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Necessity
• Obligation
• Requirement

Antonyms

• Option
• Choice
• None

Usage

The term "must" is widely used to indicate necessity or essential requirements. For example, "You must complete the assignment by tomorrow" (verb) or "A good wine starts with high-quality must" (noun).

Related Terms

• Obligation: A duty or requirement.
• Essential: Something absolutely necessary.
• Fermentation: A chemical process relevant to winemaking involving must.

Detailed Definitions

Modal Verb

• To express necessity or obligation: Indicates something that is required or compulsory.
  • Example: "You must wear a seatbelt while driving."
• To indicate certainty: Used to express a strong belief or assumption.
  • Example: "He must be at home because his car is in the driveway."

Noun

• An essential requirement: Refers to something that is necessary or highly desirable.
  • Example: "Good communication is a must in any relationship."
• Freshly pressed grape juice: Refers to the unfermented juice used in winemaking.
  • Example: "The winery processes the must within hours of harvest."