Appropriate vs. Necessary: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 8, 2023
"Appropriate" pertains to what is suitable or fitting for a specific situation, while "necessary" refers to what is essential or required.
Key Differences
"Appropriate" describes something suitable or proper in a given circumstance. It implies that there is a choice among many options, and the most fitting one is chosen. On the other hand, "necessary" denotes something that is indispensable or required, suggesting there may be no suitable alternatives.
When one considers whether an action is appropriate, they are gauging it against social norms or specific conditions. Conversely, determining if something is necessary involves assessing its importance or essentialness to a goal or function.
An appropriate measure may be one of several effective options, chosen based on context or propriety. In contrast, a necessary measure is one that must be taken to achieve a result, without which the outcome cannot be realized.
Choosing an appropriate dress for a wedding is about matching attire to the occasion, where there are many correct choices. However, wearing a dress to the wedding, if specified, becomes necessary for adherence to the event's dress code.
Appropriateness often involves subjective judgment, where different people may have different opinions based on personal or cultural standards. Necessity, however, is more objective, where the required nature of something can be more universally agreed upon.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Suitable for a particular person, condition, or occasion
Required to be done, achieved, or present; needed
Choice
One among several suitable options
Often the only option that must be chosen
Standards
Subjective and cultural norms
Objective and essential requirements
Flexibility
Can be adaptable based on context
Not typically flexible, as it is essential
Connotation
Implies suitability and propriety
Implies indispensability and requirement
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Appropriate and Necessary Definitions
Appropriate
Fitting or right for the purpose.
Her comments were appropriate for the formal dinner.
Necessary
Required or compulsory; necessary.
It is necessary to have a passport when traveling abroad.
Appropriate
Suitable or proper in the circumstances.
He took an appropriate amount of food from the buffet.
Necessary
Being essential, indispensable, or requisite.
A good education is necessary for a successful career.
Appropriate
Specifically suitable, proper, or fitting.
It's appropriate to dress formally for the opera.
Necessary
Acting or proceeding from compulsion or necessity, not from one's own will.
The decision was made out of necessary caution.
Appropriate
Pertaining to or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion, etc.
The teacher used teaching methods that were appropriate to the children's learning styles.
Necessary
Unavoidable; inevitably happening.
It was necessary to postpone the meeting due to the storm.
Appropriate
To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
The company was fined for inappropriately using copyrighted material.
Necessary
Something that is necessary is needed in order to achieve a particular result.
Wearing a helmet is necessary for safety when cycling.
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Necessary
Needed or required
A contract complete with the necessary signatures.
Conditions necessary to life.
Appropriate
To set apart for a specific use
Appropriating funds for education.
Necessary
Unavoidably determined by prior conditions or circumstances; inevitable
The necessary results of overindulgence.
Appropriate
To take possession of or make use of exclusively for oneself, often without permission
My coworker appropriated my unread newspaper.
Necessary
Logically inevitable
A necessary conclusion.
FAQs
Can something be appropriate but not necessary?
Yes, something can be suitable for a situation without being essential.
Can something be necessary but not appropriate?
In some contexts, something can be required but may not be considered suitable.
Does necessary imply urgency?
It can, especially if something is essential for immediate action or results.
Can necessities be universal?
Some necessities, like basic human needs, are considered universal.
Is necessity subjective?
Necessity tends to be more objective, as it is based on what is essential.
Can the level of appropriateness be debated?
Yes, since appropriateness can be subjective, it is often open to debate.
Does necessary mean mandatory?
Yes, if something is necessary, it is generally mandatory or essential.
Is appropriateness subjective?
Often, as it can depend on cultural, situational, and personal standards.
Can the meaning of appropriate change based on context?
Yes, what is considered appropriate can vary greatly with context.
Is what is necessary always clear?
It can be, especially in situations with clear requirements or outcomes.
Can the necessity of something be debated?
While more clear-cut, the necessity can also be debated, especially regarding its level of importance.
Can appropriate actions vary in different cultures?
Yes, cultural norms heavily influence what actions are seen as appropriate.
Is it possible for something to be neither appropriate nor necessary?
Yes, some actions or items may be neither suitable nor required in certain situations.
Does appropriate always mean polite?
Not always, but it often includes what is considered polite in a given culture.
Are necessary things always serious?
Often, but not always; the necessity can apply to both serious and less critical situations.
Do professionals have to consider appropriateness in their work?
Yes, professionals must often make judgments about what is appropriate in their field.
Can laws be both necessary and appropriate?
Laws aim to be both, but their perception as such can vary among different people.
Can something become less necessary over time?
Yes, as situations change, the necessity of certain things can diminish.
Is appropriateness always conservative?
Not necessarily; what is appropriate can be progressive, depending on the context.
Can guidelines help determine appropriateness?
Yes, guidelines often provide criteria for what is considered appropriate.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
