What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
essence
Example
The essence of a good story is its ability to captivate and engage the reader. [essence: noun]
Example
The essence of her argument was that we need to prioritize sustainability over profit. [essence: noun]
gist
Example
I didn't catch everything he said, but I got the gist of his argument. [gist: noun]
Example
Can you give me the gist of the article you read? [gist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gist is more commonly used than essence in everyday language. Gist is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while essence is less common and may be perceived as more formal or literary.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between essence and gist?
Essence is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while gist is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
