Must Meaning
Must Definition & Usage
Used to express necessity or obligation, often reflecting a strong requirement or command.
Examples
- "You must submit your report by Friday."
- "She must attend the meeting, no excuses."
- "The students must wear uniforms at school."
- "You must not disturb the guests."
- "All visitors must check in at the front desk."
Used to indicate a logical deduction or something that is likely to be true.
Examples
- "He must be the new manager, I saw his name on the office door."
- "It must have been a misunderstanding."
- "She must have been tired after the long trip."
- "This must be the right place."
- "You must be joking!"
Something that is essential or indispensable.
Examples
- "Comfortable shoes are a must for this hiking trip."
- "A good dictionary is a must for students learning a new language."
- "It’s a must to have a valid passport when traveling abroad."
- "Personal hygiene is a must in a professional setting."
- "A backup charger is a must when traveling."
Cultural Context
The word 'must' comes from the Old English 'most', which meant 'to be obliged to'. It has evolved in its usage over time but retains a sense of necessity or requirement in most contexts. In English-speaking cultures, 'must' can often be associated with commands, rules, and obligations, especially in formal contexts. It is also a common term in recommendations and advice, especially when referring to essential items or actions.
The Quest for the Perfect Recipe
Story
The Quest for the Perfect Recipe
In the small town of Greendale, Sarah had always dreamed of opening a bakery. Her grandmother's secret recipe for gingerbread had been passed down through generations, but it was said that only the 'chosen one' could bake it perfectly. Sarah, determined to honor her grandmother’s legacy, was determined to master the recipe. She woke up early one winter morning, bundled in a scarf, and prepared herself for what was to be her biggest challenge yet. 'You must get the measurements exactly right,' her grandmother had always said, 'or the flavor will be off.' Sarah was nervous, but she believed in herself. She knew the flour must be sifted just the right way and the ginger must be ground to perfection. As she carefully mixed the ingredients, she muttered, 'I must follow every step as it was done before.' She wasn’t sure if it was the magic of the recipe or her grandmother's advice, but something about it felt different today. After baking, Sarah could smell the familiar warmth of the gingerbread filling the kitchen, and her doubts melted away. Her grandmother’s words echoed in her mind, 'You must taste it when it’s hot.' The moment of truth had arrived. Sarah took a bite and smiled. It was perfect. As she opened the bakery, customers from all over town came to taste her gingerbread. 'You must try the gingerbread, it's a must-have!' one customer exclaimed. The recipe had worked wonders, and Sarah’s bakery became a local favorite. But one day, a woman came in looking concerned. 'You must have a backup plan in case the weather turns bad,' she advised, offering Sarah a piece of advice she had learned through experience. Sarah chuckled and agreed. 'I must have thought of that already,' she said, realizing the importance of preparation in business as well as baking. In the end, Sarah learned that sometimes, to succeed, you must take risks, but you must also be prepared for whatever challenges come your way. And as for the gingerbread, well, it would always be a must for her customers, and she was proud of that.
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