Meaning & Definition of Quintessential in English
Quintessential
Pronunciation:
/ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛntʃəl/Part of Speech:
adjectiveMeaning and Definition of Quintessential
1. Primary Definition
Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
2. Detailed Definitions
Definition: Of the purest or most typical example or embodiment of something.
Example Sentence: She is the quintessential romantic, always dreaming of love.
Definition: Representing the essence of a thing.
Example Sentence: The coffee shop was the quintessential place to relax and unwind.
Definition: Serving as a perfect example or model of something.
Example Sentence: His behavior is quintessentially British, very polite and reserved.
Etymology
Origin: From Middle French 'quintessentiel', from Latin 'quinta essentia', meaning 'fifth essence'.
Synonyms
Common Phrases and Expressions
- the quintessential example: The most perfect example of something.
- quintessentially British: Characteristic of British culture in an ideal or typical way.
- quintessential experience: An experience that exemplifies a certain quality or characteristic.
Translations
- Spanish: quintessential
- French: quintessentiel
- German: quintessentiell
- Russian: квинтэссенциальный
Related Words
- essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
- idiosyncratic: Peculiar or individual characteristic.
- archetypal: Very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
Slang Meanings of quintessential
Meaning: The essence of cool.
Example Sentence: That new café is the quintessential hangout spot for hipsters.
Meaning: True to form.
Example Sentence: Her outfit was quintessentially her, combining elegance with flair.