Essential: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "essential" in other languages:

🇵🇹 essencial

🇮🇳 आवश्यक

🇩🇪 wesentlich

🇮🇩 esensial

🇺🇦 необхідний

🇵🇱 niezbędny

🇯🇵 不可欠な (ふかけつな)

🇫🇷 essentiel

🇪🇸 esencial

🇹🇷 gerekli

🇰🇷 필수적인 (pilsujeogin)

🇸🇦 أساسي

🇨🇿 nezbytný

🇸🇰 nevyhnutný

🇨🇳 必要的 (bìyào de)

🇸🇮 nujen

🇮🇸 nauðsynlegur

🇰🇿 қажетті

🇬🇪 აუცილებელი (aucilebeli)

🇦🇿 vacib

🇲🇽 esencial

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.

...
968 wish
969 principles
970 containing
971 essential
972 start
973 contains
974 obtain
...