Pith: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the essential or most important part of something, often in a figurative or philosophical sense.

• The pith of his argument was that freedom is essential for creativity.
• You need to get to the pith of the matter to understand the true issue.

Used to refer to the central, most important part of something, especially in a structural or organizational sense.

• The core of the team's strategy is based on strong defense.
• Understanding the core principles of mathematics is essential for solving complex problems.

Refers to the middle point of an object or place, and is also used to describe a focal point or most important area in a more specific and physical sense.

• The park is located at the center of the city.
• Her work became the center of attention at the conference.

Often used metaphorically to indicate the emotional or most vital part of something. It can also be used in a literal sense to describe the heart as an organ.

• The heart of the community lies in its people.
• At the heart of the novel is a touching love story.

Use in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the most important part or central idea of something, especially when it is substantial or meaningful.

• The pith of the speech was the need for unity in challenging times

Best used in philosophical, abstract, or reflective contexts to convey the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something non-material.

• The essence of love transcends physical presence

Suitable for general usage to indicate the most important or central part of something, often in educational or structural contexts.

• The core of the issue lies in the lack of communication

Informal or conversational use to refer to the main point or summary of something, like a conversation or a story.

• The gist of his argument was that we need to rethink our strategy

Use when referring to the essential part or core of something, often relating to plants or fruits.

• He removed the pith from the orange.
• The magazine article lacked the pith that would make it interesting.

Best used when talking about taking something away or eliminating something, usually in a physical sense.

• Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
• The software helped them remove the virus from their computer.

Appropriate for describing the action of taking something out or obtaining something from a source, whether literal or metaphorical.

• The scientist extracted DNA from the sample.
• She managed to extract a promise from him.

Ideal when talking about dividing or keeping things apart from each other, either physically or metaphorically.

• They decided to separate the recyclable items from the trash.
• The teacher had to separate the students who were talking during the lesson.