Essential

/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a thing that is absolutely necessary.

Good nutrition is an essential for maintaining health.

a fundamental or characteristic attribute.

The essentials of effective teaching include clarity and engagement.

adjective

absolutely necessary; extremely important.

Water is essential for human survival.

constituting or pertaining to the essence of a thing.

Understanding the essential elements of a problem is crucial for finding a solution.

basic and fundamental.

The essential skills for this job include communication and teamwork.

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

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.

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.

Absolutely necessary, non-negotiable.

This meeting is essential, can't miss it.

Super important, can't live without it.

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