# necessarily

/ˌnɛsəˈsɛɹəɫi/ (US) · /nˌɛsɪsˈɛɹəli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/necessarily
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

used to say that something is not always true or certain. You use it to show that even if one thing happens, it does not mean another thing must happen.

For teachers: as a logical consequence or by inevitable necessity. Frequently used in negative constructions to indicate that a specific outcome or conclusion is not guaranteed.

## Examples

- A higher price does not necessarily mean better quality.
- Just because the lights are on in the office, it doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is still working.
- While the two events occurred simultaneously, it does not necessarily follow that one caused the other, as correlation is distinct from causation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It is not necessary true." but "It is not necessarily true." — Learners often use the adjective 'necessary' when the adverb 'necessarily' is required to modify another adjective.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows 'not' to qualify a statement; often placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.