Musk vs. Must: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Musk is a strong fragrance from animals or plants, used in perfumery. Must is a necessity or a fermented grape juice in winemaking.
Key Differences
Musk, originating from the glandular secretions of animals like the musk deer, is primarily known for its strong, distinct scent used in perfumery. On the other hand, Must refers to freshly crushed grape juice with skins, seeds, and stems, a term crucial in the context of winemaking.
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Nov 27, 2023
The word Musk also extends to synthetic aromas used in modern perfumes, signifying a deep, earthy smell. Conversely, Must in its broader sense can denote something that is required or absolutely necessary, diverging significantly from the olfactory-related musk.
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Nov 27, 2023
In terms of usage, Musk is a noun with a very specific reference to a type of scent. Must, however, can be a noun in the context of winemaking or a modal verb indicating obligation or necessity in English grammar.
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Nov 27, 2023
The cultural significance of Musk is notable in the luxury fragrance industry, symbolizing opulence and exoticism. Must, in its verbal form, conveys an imperative or essential action, often used in formal directives or strong recommendations.
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Nov 27, 2023
Musk's etymology traces back to Sanskrit, highlighting its ancient origins. Must, as a verb, derives from Old English, reflecting its long-standing use in the English language as an expression of compulsion or requirement.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Fragrant substance from animals or plants
Fermented grape juice or necessity
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Origin
Animal glands or synthetic production
Grape juice in winemaking, Old English
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Cultural Significance
Luxury perfumes, exotic aroma
Essential action, winemaking tradition
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Musk and Must Definitions
Musk
An underlying, pervasive scent in various products.
The candle had a subtle musk to it.
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Nov 13, 2023
Must
To be obliged or required to do something.
You must complete your homework.
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Nov 13, 2023
Musk
A term denoting a strong, earthy fragrance.
His cologne had a distinct musk that lingered.
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Nov 13, 2023
Must
A necessity or an essential.
Daily exercise is a must for healthy living.
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Nov 13, 2023
Musk
A secretion from the musk deer used as a fixative in perfumery.
Traditional musk was highly valued for its unique aroma.
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Nov 13, 2023
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Must
Fresh grape juice with skins, seeds, and stems in winemaking.
The must was fermenting in the vats.
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Nov 13, 2023
Musk
A strong, sensual scent derived from animals or synthetically.
The perfume boasted a base note of musk.
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Nov 13, 2023
Must
Indicating a strong likelihood or certainty.
She must be the winner of the competition.
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Nov 13, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
Expressing a strong recommendation.
You must visit the new art gallery downtown.
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Nov 13, 2023
Musk
A similar secretion produced by certain other animals, such as an otter or civet.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom
Citizens must register in order to vote.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement
Plants must have oxygen in order to live.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
Used to express a command or admonition
You must not go there alone. You simply must be careful.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve
If you must leave, do it quietly.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
Used to indicate logical probability or presumptive certainty
If the lights were on, they must have been at home.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
The unfermented or fermenting juice expressed from fruit, especially grapes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Musk
A plant of the genus Erodium (Erodium moschatum); the musky heronsbill.
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Oct 19, 2023
Musk
The scent of human genitalia when aroused or unwashed.
I was so excited I could smell my own musk.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
Used to indicate that something that is very likely, probable, or certain to be true.
The children must be asleep by now.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
Something that is mandatory or required.
If you're trekking all day, a map is a must.
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Oct 19, 2023
Musk
An odorous glandular secretion from the male musk deer; used as a perfume fixative
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Oct 19, 2023
Musk
A synthetic aroma resembling natural musk in perfumes.
Synthetic musk has become popular in modern fragrances.
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Nov 13, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Must
The expressed juice of the grape, or other fruit, before fermentation.
No fermenting must fills . . . the deep vats.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can musk be synthetic?
Yes, there are synthetic versions of musk in modern perfumes.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does 'must' mean in winemaking?
In winemaking, must refers to the crushed grape juice with skins and seeds.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the origin of 'must' in English?
'Must' originates from Old English, used to denote compulsion.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is musk from animals ethical?
The use of animal-derived musk is controversial; synthetic alternatives are considered more ethical.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is 'must' formal or informal?
'Must' is used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 27, 2023
Are there different types of musk?
Yes, there are several types, including animal-derived and synthetic musks.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is musk expensive?
Natural musk is quite expensive, but synthetic musk is more affordable.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is 'must' always about wine?
No, 'must' can also mean something necessary or obligatory.
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Nov 27, 2023
How is musk harvested?
Natural musk is harvested from musk deer, though this practice is now rare and regulated.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can musk be allergic to some people?
Yes, some individuals may be allergic to musk compounds.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can 'must' be a verb?
Yes, as a modal verb, 'must' expresses necessity or obligation.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is musk only used in perfumes?
Mostly, but it's also used in other scented products like candles.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is 'must' in winemaking the same as grape juice?
Must is specifically the unfermented juice in winemaking, including skins and seeds.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does 'must' have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning varies from necessity to grape juice in winemaking.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can must be used to express probability?
Yes, 'must' can indicate a strong likelihood or assumption.
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Nov 27, 2023
Are there alternatives to using animal musk?
Yes, synthetic musk is widely used as an ethical alternative.
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Nov 27, 2023
Do all perfumes contain musk?
Not all, but many perfumes use musk for its base note.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is must used in modern English?
Yes, 'must' is commonly used in contemporary English.
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Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
