essential Definition
- 1absolutely necessary; extremely important
- 2a basic, fundamental element or characteristic
Using essential: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "essential" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Water is essential for life.
Example
Good communication is essential in any relationship.
Example
It is essential that we arrive on time.
Example
The essential problem with the plan is its cost.
essential Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for essential
Antonyms for essential
Idioms Using essential
Example
We need to get down to the essentials of this project and figure out what really matters.
Example
When packing for the trip, make sure you bring only the bare essentials.
Example
In the presentation, let's cut to the essentials and not waste time on unnecessary details.
Phrases with essential
a concentrated liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, used in alternative medicine and cosmetics
Example
She uses essential oils to help her relax and sleep better.
a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling of particular parts of the body
Example
My grandfather has essential tremor, which makes it difficult for him to hold things steady.
fatty acids that are required for good health but cannot be produced by the body, and must be obtained through diet
Example
Fish oil is a good source of essential fatty acids.
Origins of essential
from Latin 'essentia', meaning 'being, essence'
Summary: essential in Brief
The term 'essential' [ɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l] denotes something that is absolutely necessary or extremely important, such as water for life or good communication in relationships. It can also refer to a basic, fundamental element or characteristic, as in 'The essential problem with the plan is its cost.' The phrase 'essential oils' refers to concentrated liquids containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, while 'essential tremor' is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking. Idioms like 'get down to the essentials' and 'cut to the essentials' emphasize focusing on the most important aspects of something.