need not
The phrase "need not" is a modal verb construction used to express the absence of necessity or obligation.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(formal, common)Indicates that something is not necessary or required.
Example
- You need not worry about the deadline; we have an extension.
- Guests need not bring gifts to the party.
B2General
(formal, less common)Conveys that there is no obligation to perform an action.
Example
- Employees need not attend the meeting if they have prior commitments.
- One need not be an expert to understand the basics of the topic.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "need not":