Nonessential Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nonessential

[ˌnɒnɪˈsɛnʃəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in writing

Not necessary; not needed for the main purpose or function.

Synonyms

extraneous, redundant, superfluous, unnecessary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonessential	Suitable for describing something that is not absolutely necessary but might still have some value. Packed with nonessential items, the suitcase was too heavy to carry. You can skip the nonessential steps to save time.
unnecessary	Appropriate when indicating that something is not needed at all, often to emphasize the lack of necessity. Taking a taxi was unnecessary; the venue was within walking distance. The meeting went on too long because of all the unnecessary comments.
extraneous	Used when talking about something that is irrelevant or unrelated to the main topic. Delete all the extraneous details from the report to make it clearer. The meeting was too long because of all the extraneous discussions.
superfluous	When describing something that is beyond what is needed or wanted, often implying an excess amount. Buying more decorations would be superfluous, considering how much we already have. The story was good, but the long descriptions felt superfluous.
redundant	Best used when referring to something that repeats what has already been said or is unnecessary due to repetition; can have a negative undertone. Avoid using redundant words in your essay to keep it concise. The new software made several processes redundant.

Examples of usage

It is important to eliminate nonessential information from your essay.
In order to save space, please remove any nonessential details.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in grammar

A word or phrase that can be omitted without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.

Synonyms

dispensable, optional, redundant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonessential	This word is used when describing something that is not necessary and can be easily omitted without affecting the overall function or outcome. These features are nonessential and can be removed to simplify the design. The store was selling nonessential items like toys and gadgets.
redundant	Typically used in a negative sense, 'redundant' refers to something that is unnecessarily repetitive or superfluous. Having two coffee machines in this small office seems redundant. The software update made several existing features redundant.
optional	This word is used to describe something that is not required or mandatory and can be chosen based on preference. Attending the additional workshop is optional but recommended for further learning. The accessories listed are optional and can be selected according to your needs.
dispensable	Use 'dispensable' to refer to something that can be done without, typically in a context where resources or effort are being conserved. In times of budget cuts, dispensable staff positions are often the first to go. The extra decorations are dispensable for the party's success.

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'The book that I bought yesterday is on the table,' the word 'that' is a nonessential.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

In economics, 'nonessential' describes goods or services that are not required for basic living, such as luxury items.
During economic downturns, spending on nonessential items often decreases as people focus on necessities.

Psychology

'Nonessential' activities, like watching TV or scrolling social media, can impact mental well-being if they consume too much time.
Balancing essential and nonessential tasks is crucial for productivity and mental health.

Pop Culture

Television shows often highlight nonessential plot points that add humor or depth but aren’t crucial to the main story.
Social media sometimes focuses on nonessential trends, creating a culture where people engage with what isn't necessary but is entertaining.

Education

In classroom settings, nonessential distractions can hinder learning; educators encourage focusing on essential study materials.
Learning to distinguish between essential and nonessential information helps students develop critical thinking skills.

Origin of 'nonessential'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', and 'essential', which means 'absolutely necessary'.
It first appeared in the English language around the early 20th century, related closely to concepts of necessity in life and work.

The word 'nonessential' originated in the mid-17th century, combining 'non-' (meaning 'not') and 'essential' (from Latin 'essentia' meaning 'being'). It has been used primarily in the context of writing and grammar to refer to things that are not necessary or can be omitted.