adverb
needs
NEEDZ/nˈidz/
Necessarily or unavoidably.
The hiker must needs take the only bridge across the water.
Etymology
Nede expressed necessity; with the genitive ending, needs meant “of necessity.” In constructions such as “must needs,” it reinforces compulsion rather than naming several things someone requires.
More examples
- The old narrator says they must needs wait.
- She must needs have the last word.
- They would needs try the risky shortcut.
Forms
needs
Similar words
- necessarily
- The usual modern adverb for something unavoidable.