Meaning & Definition of word "Essential"

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    Essential

    /ɪˈsɛnʃəl/

    noun:

    • 1. a thing that is absolutely necessary.
      • Example: Good nutrition is an essential for maintaining health.
    • 2. a fundamental or characteristic attribute.
      • Example: The essentials of effective teaching include clarity and engagement.

    adjective:

    • 1. absolutely necessary; extremely important.
      • Example: Water is essential for human survival.
    • 2. constituting or pertaining to the essence of a thing.
      • Example: Understanding the essential elements of a problem is crucial for finding a solution.
    • 3. basic and fundamental.
      • Example: The essential skills for this job include communication and teamwork.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Latin 'essentialis', from 'essentia' meaning 'being, essence'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    essential worker:

    A worker who is considered necessary for the functioning of society.

    essential oils:

    Concentrated plant extracts used for fragrance or therapeutic purposes.

    essential services:

    Services needed for the essential functioning of society, such as healthcare.

    Related Words

    essence:

    The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

    essentialism:

    A philosophical doctrine that argues that things have a set of attributes that are necessary to their identity.

    essentially:

    Used to emphasize the basic, fundamental nature of something.

    Slang Meanings of essential

    Meaning: Absolutely necessary, non-negotiable.

    Example Sentence: This meeting is essential, can't miss it.

    Meaning: Super important, can't live without it.

    Example Sentence: Coffee in the morning? That's essential for me!