What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quintessence
Example
The quintessence of luxury is a private yacht in the Mediterranean. [quintessence: noun]
Example
Her performance was the quintessence of grace and elegance. [quintessence: noun]
essence
Example
The essence of good communication is listening. [essence: noun]
Example
The recipe's essence lies in its simplicity. [essence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Essence is more commonly used than quintessence in everyday language. Essence is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while quintessence is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quintessence and essence?
Quintessence is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while essence can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.