Unessential Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unessential
[ʌnɪˈsɛnʃəl ]
Definition
not necessary
Unessential describes something that is not essential or not absolutely necessary. It indicates that an item or aspect is of little importance or relevance to the main subject or situation.
Synonyms
extraneous, inessential, nonessential, optional, superfluous.
Examples of usage
- The unessential details were omitted from the report.
- She packed only unessential items for her trip.
- Focusing on unessential tasks can lead to wasted time.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In minimalism, unessential items are considered distractions and should be removed to lead a simpler life.
- Different cultures may define essentials differently; for example, in some societies, a smartphone may be seen as unessential while in others, it's considered vital.
Psychology
- Understanding what's unessential can reduce stress, helping individuals focus on what truly matters in their lives.
- Research suggests that people often overvalue possessions that are unessential, leading to consumerism.
Literature
- Authors often explore themes of necessity vs. unnecessity in stories to critique society, focusing on characters who seek fulfillment beyond material possessions.
- In many literary works, the distinction between the essential and the unessential drives character motivation and development.
Environmental Impact
- Reducing consumption of unessential goods can help lower waste and environmental degradation.
- Movements advocating for sustainability often highlight the importance of distinguishing between essential and unessential products in consumer choices.
Origin of 'unessential'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', added to 'essential', which signifies something very important.
- It first appeared in the English language around the early 19th century, emphasizing things that are not crucial.
The word 'unessential' is formed from the prefix 'un-', which denotes negation, and 'essential', which comes from the Latin 'essentia', meaning 'being' or 'essence'. The term was adopted into Middle English through Old French in the late 14th century. Originally, 'essential' referred to something that was fundamentally important or crucial. As the prefix 'un-' was added, the meaning shifted to indicate the absence of such importance. The usage of 'unessential' has been increasingly adopted in modern English, particularly in contexts where prioritization of tasks, items, or details is discussed. It serves to emphasize the idea that some elements do not contribute significantly to the overall purpose or outcome.