must

[mʌst]

must Definition

• 1. used to indicate that something is necessary or required
• 2. used to indicate that it is very likely that something is true
• 3. used to indicate that the speaker is certain about something

Using must: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "must" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  You must arrive on time for the meeting.

• Example

  I must have left my keys at home.

• Example

  It must be difficult to learn a new language.

• Example

  She must be the new employee.

must Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for must

• should
• have to
• need to
• ought to

Phrases with must

• must-see

  something that is so good or interesting that it should not be missed

  Example

  The new movie is a must-see for all action fans.

• must-have

  something that is considered essential or necessary

  Example

  A good dictionary is a must-have for anyone learning a new language.

• must-read

  something that is so important or interesting that it should be read by everyone

  Example

  This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history.

Origins of must

from Old English 'mōste', past tense of 'mōtan', meaning 'to be obliged'

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Summary: must in Brief

The modal verb 'must' [mʌst] indicates necessity, likelihood, or certainty. It can be used to express obligations, as in 'You must arrive on time for the meeting,' or to indicate high probability, as in 'I must have left my keys at home.' 'Must' can also express certainty, as in 'She must be the new employee.' The term extends into phrases like 'must-see,' 'must-have,' and 'must-read,' which denote things that are essential or highly recommended.