human necessity

[ˈhjuːmən nəˈsɛsɪti]
nounpl: human necessities
necessidade humana
1. A basic requirement or essential need that is fundamental to human survival, wellbeing, or dignity
Food and shelter are human necessities that every society must provide.
Comida e abrigo são necessidades humanas que toda sociedade deve fornecer.
2. Something that is absolutely required for maintaining human life or functioning in society
Access to clean water is a human necessity in developing countries.
O acesso à água limpa é uma necessidade humana nos países em desenvolvimento.
3. An imperative condition or circumstance that compels human action or response
The protection of children from harm is a human necessity recognized by international law.
A proteção das crianças contra danos é uma necessidade humana reconhecida pelo direito internacional.
This term is commonly used in international development, human rights discourse, and social policy discussions in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, it frequently appears in discussions about social programs and poverty reduction. In the USA, it's often referenced in policy debates regarding healthcare, housing, and education. The phrase carries weight in humanitarian and legal contexts, particularly when discussing vulnerable populations and government responsibilities.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
basic needessential requirementfundamental needvital necessityhuman requirement
Antonyms / Antônimos
luxurysuperfluitynon-essentialoptional item

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
necessidade humana
Standard usage across Brazil for basic human requirements
Rio de Janeiro
necessidade humana / precisão básica
May use more colloquial terms in informal speech
São Paulo
necessidade humana
Formal and institutional usage, common in academic and governmental contexts
Portugal
necessidade humana
Identical usage; universal across Portuguese-speaking countries

Related Words

human rightsbasic needssurvivalwelfaredignitysubsistence

Related Idioms & Phrases

meet human necessities
human necessity dictates
out of human necessity
the necessities of human nature
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