must

must · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Expressing obligation or necessity.

  2. 2.

    Expressing strong recommendation.

  3. 3.

    Expressing logical conclusion or certainty.

  4. 4.

    Expressing insistence.

  5. 5.

    Something that should not be missed or overlooked.

  6. 6.

    Grape juice before or during fermentation.

Related words

Antonyms: must not, needn't
See also: have to, need, should
Synonyms: have to, need to, ought to

Etymology

From Old English "moste," past tense of "motan" (to be allowed). Originally expressed permission but shifted to express obligation. This semantic shift is unusual; most modal verbs weakened in meaning, but "must" strengthened.