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Essentials: meaning, definitions and examples

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essentials

 

[ɪˈsɛnʃəls ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

everyday life

Things that are absolutely necessary or extremely important for a particular purpose or situation.

Synonyms

must-haves, necessities, requirements.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
essentials

Use 'essentials' when referring to basic or fundamental items or things that are necessary for a specific purpose or daily life.

  • Don't forget to pack your essentials for the trip, such as toiletries and underwear
  • Food, water, and shelter are essentials for survival
necessities

Use 'necessities' in situations where you refer to things that are essential and cannot be done without, often in relation to survival or basic functioning.

  • Water and food are basic necessities for all human beings
  • In today's world, having internet access has become a necessity for many aspects of life
requirements

Use 'requirements' to refer to conditions or items that are necessary for something to be done or achieved, often used in formal or official contexts.

  • Meeting the job requirements is crucial before you apply for the position
  • Make sure you fulfill all the requirements for the visa application
must-haves

Use 'must-haves' when talking about items or things that are deemed absolutely necessary or highly desirable, often with a subjective or trendy connotation.

  • This season's must-haves include high-waisted jeans and oversized blazers
  • For any new parent, a reliable baby monitor is a must-have

Examples of usage

  • Water is one of the essentials for human survival.
  • Having a phone charger is an essential when traveling.
  • She packed the essentials for the camping trip.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

Basic, classic, or indispensable items of clothing or accessories that everyone should have in their wardrobe.

Synonyms

must-haves, staples, wardrobe essentials.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
essentials

Use this word when referring to basic items necessary for a certain activity or situation.

  • Don't forget to pack the travel essentials like a toothbrush and charger.
  • In the event of an emergency, it's important to have your essentials ready.
staples

This word is appropriate when talking about basic or important items, especially in the context of food or recurring needs.

  • Bread and milk are staples in many households.
  • Rice is a dietary staple for many people around the world.
must-haves

Use this phrase for items that are highly recommended or deemed crucial, usually in a subjective manner.

  • This camera is a must-have for anyone serious about photography.
  • The latest gadget is a must-have for tech enthusiasts.
wardrobe essentials

Specifically refers to basic clothing items that are considered necessary for a versatile wardrobe.

  • A white shirt and a pair of denim jeans are wardrobe essentials.
  • Investing in wardrobe essentials like a little black dress can save you time and money in the long run.

Examples of usage

  • A little black dress is considered an essential in every woman's closet.
  • Sunglasses are a summer essential.
  • The white shirt is a timeless essential.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'essentials' comes from the Latin word 'essentia', meaning 'essence' or 'being'.
  • It has been used since the late 14th century to describe things fundamental to life and nature.
  • The suffix '-ials' indicates a relationship to something important or characteristic.

Cultural Significance

  • In minimalism, 'essentials' often refer to the few items you truly need to live a fulfilling life.
  • Different cultures may have varying interpretations of what is deemed 'essential', influenced by geography and lifestyle.
  • Survival guides often highlight essentials for outdoor activities, teaching the basics of safety and self-sufficiency.

Pop Culture

  • In fashion, 'wardrobe essentials' refers to key pieces that can be mixed and matched for various looks.
  • Self-help books often focus on 'essentials' for personal development, outlining fundamental habits for success.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes challenge contestants to identify essentials in extreme situations, showcasing what truly matters.

Science

  • In biology, essential nutrients are substances required for basic metabolic functions and overall health.
  • The concept of essential vs. non-essential can be seen in chemistry, where 'essential' compounds are necessary for a reaction.
  • Essential oils, derived from plants, are used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic properties, emphasizing their importance in health and wellness.

Psychology

  • Maslow's hierarchy of needs starts with essentials like food and safety, forming the foundation for higher-level needs.
  • Understanding one's essentials can contribute to better mental health by clarifying priorities and reducing stress.
  • Therapeutic practices often focus on identifying personal essentials to enhance well-being and life satisfaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "essentials" in other languages:

🇵🇹 essencial

🇮🇳 आवश्यकताएँ

🇩🇪 Wesentliches

🇮🇩 esensial

🇺🇦 основні потреби

🇵🇱 niezbędne

🇯🇵 必需品

🇫🇷 essentiels

🇪🇸 esenciales

🇹🇷 temel ihtiyaçlar

🇰🇷 필수품

🇸🇦 أساسيات

🇨🇿 nezbytnosti

🇸🇰 nevyhnutnosti

🇨🇳 必需品

🇸🇮 bistvene stvari

🇮🇸 nauðsynjar

🇰🇿 қажеттіліктер

🇬🇪 საჭიროებები

🇦🇿 vacibatlar

🇲🇽 esenciales

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,588, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.