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Essential Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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essential

[ɪˈsɛnʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

for survival

Absolutely necessary; extremely important for survival or success.

Synonyms

critical, crucial, necessary, vital.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
essential

Used to describe something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important for a particular purpose.

  • Water is essential for human survival.
  • Good communication is essential in a team.
crucial

Used to emphasize the importance of something in determining the outcome of a situation. It stresses the significance and decisive impact of an element or decision.

  • His role is crucial to the success of the project.
  • It's crucial that we follow all safety procedures.
vital

Used to describe something that is absolutely indispensable or essential to life or success, emphasizing its critical importance.

  • Proper nutrition is vital for good health.
  • It is vital to address these issues immediately.
necessary

Implies that something must be done or is needed; it sometimes suggests that without it, a particular outcome cannot occur. It can be less intense than 'essential'.

  • It is necessary to complete the application form.
  • Warm clothes are necessary for the trip.
critical

Often used when talking about matters that are crucial and must be addressed urgently, can also imply a situation or decision that is very important.

  • It's critical to finish the project by the deadline.
  • Maintaining a critical level of stock is necessary for business operations.

Examples of usage

  • It is essential to drink water regularly for good health.
  • Oxygen is essential for human life.
  • Good communication skills are essential in the workplace.
Context #2 | Noun

basic element

A fundamental or basic element that is necessary for the existence or functioning of something.

Synonyms

component, element, requirement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
essential

Use this word when talking about something that is absolutely necessary or very important.

  • Water is essential for life.
  • It is essential that you follow the instructions carefully.
element

Use this when referring to a basic or fundamental part of something bigger, which can be abstract or physical.

  • Trust is a key element in a successful relationship.
  • Hydrogen is an element found in many compounds.
component

This word is useful for talking about parts of a larger system or machine that work together.

  • The engine is a crucial component of a car.
  • Each component of the software must be tested separately.
requirement

This term is best for specifying conditions or qualifications that must be met.

  • A degree is a requirement for this job.
  • Meeting safety requirements is mandatory.

Examples of usage

  • Education is an essential for personal development.
  • Respect is an essential in any relationship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, essentials often refer to foundational qualities that define existence or identity, separating them from the non-essential attributes.
  • The discussion about what is essential can influence ethics, guiding decisions on what actions and qualities are fundamental to human life.

Science

  • In biology, 'essential nutrients' are compounds that organisms must obtain from their diet because they cannot synthesize them.
  • These nutrients play critical roles in processes like growth, immune function, and digestion.

Business

  • 'Essential' is often used in business contexts to prioritize resources, marking certain tasks or roles as critical for achieving success.
  • In product development, identifying features as essential helps focus teams on what truly adds value for customers.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'essential worker' gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing those whose roles are vital for societal function.
  • Popular culture often explores themes of what is essential in life through literature and film, highlighting personal values and relationships.

Origin of 'essential'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'essentia,' meaning 'being' or 'essence,' indicating something's core nature.
  • It entered Middle English in the 14th century, evolving from the Latin language to describe something that is fundamentally important.

The word 'essential' originated from the Latin word 'essentia', which means 'being'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'that is such by its essence'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe something extremely important or necessary.

See also: quintessence.

Word Frequency Rank

At #971 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.