needful

Everyday

1. (old-fashioned, formal) Needed or necessary. tree →
2. (informal, UK) The needful is what is needed, often money: Dad will provide the needful. tree →
3. (Indian English) Do the needful means do what is necessary; many English speakers elsewhere find it old-fashioned. tree →

In the lessons

In old books and the Bible, needful means necessary: one thing is needful. In everyday talk, it is rare; children are more likely to say needed or necessary. In emails in India and some other places, please do the needful is common. Phrases: do the needful, the needful.

Examples

• Take only what is needful for the journey. tree →
• In the Bible, Jesus told Martha that one thing is needful. tree →
• Mum said she'd do the needful and pay for the trip. tree →
• Please do the needful and send the form. tree →
• Water and food are needful for life. tree →
• He packed the needful things in a small bag. tree →
• Meanwhile, I will do what is needful here. tree →

Note

Old-fashioned; in school writing, use necessary or needed. Not the same as needy (poor or wanting attention).

In Jewish tradition

In old books and the Bible, needful means necessary: one thing is needful. In everyday talk, it is rare; children are more likely to say needed or necessary. In emails in India and some other places, please do the needful is common. Phrases: do the needful, the needful.

Examples

• And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure-house. (Writings EZR.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Old-fashioned; in school writing, use necessary or needed. Not the same as needy (poor or wanting attention).