must

Definitions from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Jump to: navigation, search
Wikipedia has an article on:

Wikipedia

Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Old English mosten, past tense of motan, "be able to", cf. Dutch moesten and moeten.

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
-

Third person singular
must

Simple past
had to

Past participle
-

Present participle
-

- (third-person singular simple present must, present participle -, simple past had to, past participle -)

  1. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) The speaker—but not necessarily the subject of the sentence—is certain that the sentence predicate will be executed.
    If it rained all day, it must be very wet outside.
    (Compare with weaker auxiliary verb should, indicating a strong probability of the predicate's execution.)
  2. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) The execution of the sentence predicate is required. (Must usually implies that a negative consequence would otherwise result.)
    You must arrive in class on time.
    (Compare with weaker auxiliary verb should, indicating intent for the predicate's execution.)
  3. (Have two sense: imperative or directive) 'Imperative' creates an obligation, 'directive' defines conditions.
    (legalese) Always a directive when used together with apply(application): No one can make you apply for anything.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Usage notes

  • Must cannot be used to indicate neither logical certainty, nor obligation in the past. As indicated above, the usual form is had to. It is possible to use be bound to for the past also.
  • For this reason, have to and be bound to are also used as alternatives to must in the present and future.

[edit] Noun

Wikipedia has an article on:

Wikipedia

Singular
must

Plural
musts

must (plural musts)

  1. Something that exhibits the property of being stale or musty
  2. Fruit juice that will ferment or has fermented, usually grapes
  3. A time during which male elephants exhibit increased levels of sexual activity and aggressiveness (also musth).
  4. Something that is mandatory or required.
    If you'll be out all day, sunscreen is a must.

[edit] Estonian

[edit] Adjective

must (genitive musta)


[edit] Hungarian

[edit] Noun

must (plural mustok)

  1. must

[edit] Swedish

[edit] Noun

must

  1. A kind of soft drink, more commonly known as julmust

[edit] See also


[edit] Veps

[edit] Adjective

must

  1. black

[edit] Noun

must

  1. black
Personal tools