Musk vs. Must: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A fragrant substance from a gland of the male musk deer.
A modal verb indicating obligation or necessity.
Usage
Perfumery, scent fixative.
Indicating should, need, or strong likelihood in sentences.
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Examples
Fragrances, luxury perfumes.
Expressing duty, inevitability.
Connotations
Sensory, aromatic, luxurious.
Obligation, requirement, inevitability.
Grammatical Role
Noun.
Modal verb.
Musk and Must Definitions
Musk
A fragrant secretion from the musk deer.
The musk from the deer is a highly valued ingredient in perfumery.
Must
Expressing obligation or duty.
You must finish your homework before playing.
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Musk
A plant bearing musk-scented flowers or seeds.
The musk plant in her garden emits a delightful aroma.
Must
Indicating a strong likelihood.
That must be the postman at the door.
Musk
The scent of a particular type of musk.
The room was filled with the musk of fresh roses.
Must
Used to express a strong desire or assertion.
You must come visit us soon!
Musk
Any similar fragrant substance used in perfumes.
The perfume contains musk and floral notes.
Must
Expressing inevitability.
What must be, will be.
Musk
Referring to musk deer or other animals producing a musk-like substance.
The musk oxen are native to the Arctic region.
Must
The freshly pressed juice of grapes or other fruits, especially during fermentation.
The winemaker tested the sugar content of the must.
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.
Must
To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom
Citizens must register in order to vote.
Musk
A similar secretion produced by certain other animals, such as an otter or civet.
Must
To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement
Plants must have oxygen in order to live.
Musk
A synthetic chemical resembling natural musk in odor or use.
Must
Used to express a command or admonition
You must not go there alone. You simply must be careful.
Musk
The odor of musk.
Must
To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve
If you must leave, do it quietly.
Musk
An odor similar to musk.
Must
Used to indicate inevitability or certainty
We all must die.
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.
Must
Used to indicate logical probability or presumptive certainty
If the lights were on, they must have been at home.
Musk
A similar secretion produced by the otter and the civet.
Must
To be required or obliged to go
"I must from hence" (Shakespeare).
Musk
A synthetic organic compound used as a substitute for the above.
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.
Musk
The odour of musk.
Must
The quality or condition of being stale or musty.
Musk
The musk deer (genus Moschus).
Must
The unfermented or fermenting juice expressed from fruit, especially grapes.
Musk
The musk plant (Mimulus moschatus).
Must
Variant of musth.
Musk
A plant of the genus Erodium (Erodium moschatum); the musky heronsbill.
Must
Musk.
Musk
A plant of the genus Muscari; grape hyacinth.
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.
Musk
The scent of human genitalia when aroused or unwashed.
I was so excited I could smell my own musk.
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.
Musk
(transitive) To perfume with musk.
Must
Used to indicate that something that is very likely, probable, or certain to be true.
The children must be asleep by now.
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.
Must
(transitive) To make musty.
Musk
The musk deer. See Musk deer (below).
Must
(intransitive) To become musty.
Musk
The perfume emitted by musk, or any perfume somewhat similar.
Must
Something that is mandatory or required.
If you're trekking all day, a map is a must.
Musk
The musk plant (Mimulus moschatus).
Must
The property of being stale or musty.
Musk
To perfume with musk.
Must
Something that exhibits the property of being stale or musty.
Musk
An odorous glandular secretion from the male musk deer; used as a perfume fixative
Must
Fruit juice that will ferment or has fermented, usually from grapes.
Musk
The scent of musk
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.
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.
Must
The expressed juice of the grape, or other fruit, before fermentation.
No fermenting must fills . . . the deep vats.
Must
Mustiness.
Must
To make musty; to become musty.
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.
Must
A necessary or essential thing;
Seat belts are an absolute must
Must
Grape juice before or during fermentation
Must
The quality of smelling or tasting old or stale or mouldy
Must
Highly recommended;
A book that is must reading
FAQs
Can "must" indicate a strong recommendation?
Yes, as in "You must see that movie; it's fantastic!"
Is musk only related to perfumes?
While commonly associated with perfumes, musk can also refer to plants or animals with musk-like aromas.
Is "must" the same as "have to"?
They can often be used interchangeably, but "must" might convey a stronger sense of obligation.
Are all musk fragrances derived from animals?
No, synthetic musks are commonly used in modern perfumery.
Can "must" indicate a speculation?
Yes, as in "That must be Jane calling."
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.
Can "must" be used in past tense?
It can, in contexts like "She must have forgotten her keys."
What's the opposite of "must" in terms of obligation?
"Must not" or "can't" can indicate prohibition.
Is musk from animals ethical?
Harvesting musk can harm musk deer, leading to ethical concerns and a preference for synthetic alternatives.
Does musk have any medicinal properties?
Historically, musk was used in some traditional medicines, though it's primarily known for its fragrance today.
Can "must" indicate inevitability?
Yes, in expressions like "What must be, will be."
Are there different types of musk in perfumery?
Yes, including animal-derived musk and various synthetic musks.
Is musk used in any products besides perfumes?
Musk can also be found in soaps, lotions, and other scented products.
Can "must" indicate a logical conclusion?
Yes, as in "It's sunny, so it must be warm outside."
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.
Are synthetic musks identical to natural musk?
They aim to replicate the scent, but there might be subtle differences.
Why is musk so valued in perfumery?
Musk has a rich, long-lasting scent and acts as a fixative to prolong other fragrances.
Can "must" be used to indicate strong advice?
Yes, as in "You must wear sunscreen on sunny days."
Is "must" used in expressing future obligations?
It can be, as in "I must visit my grandmother next week."
Can "must" be used to express strong personal preferences?
Yes, as in "You must try this dessert; it's my favorite!"
About Author
Written 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.
Edited 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.
