Musk vs. Must: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Musk is a fragrant substance from a gland of the male musk deer, while Must is a modal verb indicating obligation or necessity.
Key Differences
The word "Musk" takes us into the realm of fragrances. Originally derived from a gland of the male musk deer, it has been widely used in perfumery and as a scent fixative. Its aromatic nature stands in contrast to "Must," a modal verb with roots in Old English, which expresses obligation, necessity, or strong likelihood. While Musk evokes the olfactory senses, often related to luxury perfumes, Must, as a verb, has nothing to do with sensory pleasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Instead, Must is concerned with conveying an essential action or condition. In daily life, Musk might be encountered in a fragrance store, and its sweet, earthy aroma might leave a lasting impression. Must, however, is encountered in language, emphasizing what needs to be done.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
The distinction between the aromatic world of Musk and the linguistic utility of Must is clear, bridging the gap between sensory indulgence and grammatical precision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A fragrant substance from a gland of the male musk deer.
A modal verb indicating obligation or necessity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Usage
Perfumery, scent fixative.
Indicating should, need, or strong likelihood in sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Connotations
Sensory, aromatic, luxurious.
Obligation, requirement, inevitability.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Musk and Must Definitions
Musk
A fragrant secretion from the musk deer.
The musk from the deer is a highly valued ingredient in perfumery.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Must
Expressing obligation or duty.
You must finish your homework before playing.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Musk
A plant bearing musk-scented flowers or seeds.
The musk plant in her garden emits a delightful aroma.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Musk
The scent of a particular type of musk.
The room was filled with the musk of fresh roses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Must
Used to express a strong desire or assertion.
You must come visit us soon!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Musk
Any similar fragrant substance used in perfumes.
The perfume contains musk and floral notes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
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Musk
Referring to musk deer or other animals producing a musk-like substance.
The musk oxen are native to the Arctic region.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Must
The freshly pressed juice of grapes or other fruits, especially during fermentation.
The winemaker tested the sugar content of the must.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Musk
A greasy secretion with a powerful odor, produced in a glandular sac in the abdomen of a male musk deer and used in traditional medicines and formerly in the manufacture of perfumes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom
Citizens must register in order to vote.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Musk
A similar secretion produced by certain other animals, such as an otter or civet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement
Plants must have oxygen in order to live.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Used to express a command or admonition
You must not go there alone. You simply must be careful.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve
If you must leave, do it quietly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Musk
A greasy secretion with a powerful odour, produced in a glandular sac of the male musk deer and used in the manufacture of perfumes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Used to indicate logical probability or presumptive certainty
If the lights were on, they must have been at home.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Something that is absolutely required or indispensable
Promptness on the job is a must. Comfortable boots are a must when going on a hike.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
The unfermented or fermenting juice expressed from fruit, especially grapes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To do with certainty; indicates that the speaker is certain that the subject will have executed the predicate.
If it has rained all day, it must be very wet outside.
You picked one of two, and it wasn't the first: it must have been the second.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Musk
The scent of human genitalia when aroused or unwashed.
I was so excited I could smell my own musk.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To do as a requirement; indicates that the sentence subject is required as an imperative or directive to execute the sentence predicate, with failure to do so resulting in a failure or negative consequence.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Used to indicate that something that is very likely, probable, or certain to be true.
The children must be asleep by now.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Musk
A substance of a reddish brown color, and when fresh of the consistency of honey, obtained from a bag being behind the navel of the male musk deer. It has a slightly bitter taste, but is specially remarkable for its powerful and enduring odor. It is used in medicine as a stimulant antispasmodic. The term is also applied to secretions of various other animals, having a similar odor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Something that is mandatory or required.
If you're trekking all day, a map is a must.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Musk
An odorous glandular secretion from the male musk deer; used as a perfume fixative
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To be obliged; to be necessitated; - expressing either physical or moral necessity; as, a man must eat for nourishment; we must submit to the laws.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
To be morally required; to be necessary or essential to a certain quality, character, end, or result; as, he must reconsider the matter; he must have been insane.
Likewise must the deacons be grave.
Morover, he [a bishop] must have a good report of them which are without.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
The expressed juice of the grape, or other fruit, before fermentation.
No fermenting must fills . . . the deep vats.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Must
Being in a condition of dangerous frenzy, usually connected with sexual excitement; - said of adult male elephants which become so at irregular intervals, typicaly due to increased testosterone levels.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
FAQs
Can "must" indicate a strong recommendation?
Yes, as in "You must see that movie; it's fantastic!"
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is musk only related to perfumes?
While commonly associated with perfumes, musk can also refer to plants or animals with musk-like aromas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "must" the same as "have to"?
They can often be used interchangeably, but "must" might convey a stronger sense of obligation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Are all musk fragrances derived from animals?
No, synthetic musks are commonly used in modern perfumery.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
How is musk harvested from deer?
Musk is extracted from a gland of the male musk deer, but ethical concerns have led to decreased usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "must" be used in past tense?
It can, in contexts like "She must have forgotten her keys."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
What's the opposite of "must" in terms of obligation?
"Must not" or "can't" can indicate prohibition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is musk from animals ethical?
Harvesting musk can harm musk deer, leading to ethical concerns and a preference for synthetic alternatives.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Does musk have any medicinal properties?
Historically, musk was used in some traditional medicines, though it's primarily known for its fragrance today.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "must" indicate inevitability?
Yes, in expressions like "What must be, will be."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Are there different types of musk in perfumery?
Yes, including animal-derived musk and various synthetic musks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is musk used in any products besides perfumes?
Musk can also be found in soaps, lotions, and other scented products.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "must" indicate a logical conclusion?
Yes, as in "It's sunny, so it must be warm outside."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is musk only derived from deer?
While the musk deer is the primary source, some other animals, like the musk ox, have "musk" in their names but produce different substances.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Are synthetic musks identical to natural musk?
They aim to replicate the scent, but there might be subtle differences.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Why is musk so valued in perfumery?
Musk has a rich, long-lasting scent and acts as a fixative to prolong other fragrances.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "must" be used to indicate strong advice?
Yes, as in "You must wear sunscreen on sunny days."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is "must" used in expressing future obligations?
It can be, as in "I must visit my grandmother next week."
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can "must" be used to express strong personal preferences?
Yes, as in "You must try this dessert; it's my favorite!"
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
