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essential

[ɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l]

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

Antonyms for essential

Idioms Using essential

  • get down to the essentials

    focus on the most important aspects of something

    Example

    We need to get down to the essentials of this project and figure out what really matters.

  • the bare essentials

    the absolute minimum necessary to survive or function

    Example

    When packing for the trip, make sure you bring only the bare essentials.

  • cut to the essentials

    get straight to the most important points or information

    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'

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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.

How do native speakers use this expression?