Essential Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on April 29, 2024
Discover the correct use of 'Esential,' often mistakenly spelled as 'Essential,' and learn to distinguish between these frequently confused English words. Our guide offers insights and tips for accurate spelling and usage.
Essential Definitions
A thing that is absolutely necessary in a particular context or situation.
A good internet connection is essential for remote work.
Muazma Batool
Feb 01, 2024
Being a basic part or component without which something would not exist or be possible.
The engine is an essential part of a car.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
Constituting the intrinsic, fundamental nature of something; being a quintessence.
Honesty is an essential quality for a leader.
Asaiah
Feb 01, 2024
In philosophy, pertaining to or constituting the essence of a being.
Plato believed that understanding the forms was essential to knowledge.
Bronson
Feb 01, 2024
Absolutely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a specific function.
Access to clean drinking water is essential for health.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
Fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone.
Trust is essential in a friendship.
Bronson
Feb 01, 2024
Required for the continuation of life; vital.
Essential nutrients are crucial for the body's development.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
In commerce, products or services deemed necessary for everyday life.
During the lockdown, supermarkets remained open to sell essentials like food and medicine.
Darian
Feb 01, 2024
Constituting or being part of the nature or essence of something; inherent
"In that era of general good will ... few Americans doubted the essential goodness of their society" (David Halberstam).
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
Essential Synonyms
Crucial
Extremely important or necessary.
It is crucial to have a good strategy in place for the business to succeed.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Vital
Absolutely necessary; essential to life.
Clean water is vital for human survival.
Smith
Apr 29, 2024
Fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
Trust is fundamental in any strong relationship.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Primary
Of chief importance; principal.
The primary goal of the legislation is to reduce air pollution.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Indispensable
Absolutely necessary; not to be neglected.
Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our lives.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Intrinsic
Belonging naturally; essential.
The intrinsic value of education cannot be underestimated.
Maverick
Apr 29, 2024
Imperative
Of vital importance; crucial.
It is imperative that we finish the project by the deadline.
Smith
Apr 29, 2024
Key
Of paramount or crucial importance.
Good communication is key to a successful team.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Necessary
Required to be done, achieved, or present; needed; essential.
Regular exercise is necessary for maintaining health.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Core
The central or most important part of something.
Honesty is the core value of our company.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Essential Idioms
Make it essential
To prioritize something as critically important.
The company decided to make it essential to focus on customer satisfaction.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
The essence of essential
Referring to the most important and fundamental aspect of something.
The essence of essential in leadership is integrity.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Non-essential vs. essential
Differentiating between what is not necessary and what is absolutely necessary.
During budget cuts, the company had to decide between non-essential and essential expenses.
Muazma Batool
Mar 08, 2024
As essential as air
Describing something as vitally important.
For the artist, creativity is as essential as air.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
An essential part of the puzzle
A crucial element needed to complete an understanding or project.
Finding the right manager was an essential part of the puzzle for the team's success.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
The essential ingredient
The most important component that makes something successful.
Trust is the essential ingredient in a strong relationship.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Essential to the core
Being fundamentally important or necessary to the very nature of something.
Honesty is essential to the core of their relationship.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Essential by design
Intentionally made to be absolutely necessary or crucial.
The safety features in the car are essential by design for driver protection.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Essential Meaning in a Sentence
It's essential to check the weather forecast before planning an outdoor event.
Asaiah
Mar 08, 2024
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
A strong password is essential for online security.
Bronson
Mar 08, 2024
Bringing a map is essential when hiking in unfamiliar territory.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Understanding the basics of math is essential for advanced study.
Darian
Mar 08, 2024
It's essential that we meet the project deadline to satisfy the client.
Maverick
Mar 08, 2024
Good communication skills are essential in any job.
Muazma Batool
Mar 08, 2024
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy for their therapeutic properties.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
For a balanced diet, consuming a variety of essential nutrients is necessary.
Smith
Mar 08, 2024
Keeping hydrated is essential during hot weather.
Asaiah
Mar 08, 2024
For a democracy to function, free speech is essential.
Kalel
Mar 08, 2024
Protective gear is essential when working in hazardous environments.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
A passport is essential for international travel.
Bronson
Mar 08, 2024
Being punctual is essential in professional settings.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
In an emergency, having a first aid kit is essential.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Can "essential" be used as both an adjective and a noun?
Yes, "essential" can function as an adjective to describe something as fundamentally necessary or crucial, and as a noun to refer to something that is a basic necessity.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Is there a plural form of "essential" when used as a noun?
Yes, the plural form is "essentials," referring to necessary items collectively, as in "basic essentials" for living or a specific activity.
Darian
Mar 08, 2024
How does "essential" differ from "important"?
While both "essential" and "important" indicate something of significance, "essential" implies that something is absolutely necessary or fundamental, whereas "important" may not denote indispensability.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
How is "essential" used in philosophy?
In philosophy, "essential" refers to qualities or attributes that constitute the essence or fundamental nature of something, as opposed to its accidental or contingent properties.
Smith
Mar 08, 2024
What is the origin of the word "essential"?
The word "essential" comes from the Latin "essentialis," meaning "of the essence," derived from "essentia" (essence), which refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants, capturing their scent, flavor, or essence, often used in aromatherapy and natural health practices.
Darian
Mar 08, 2024
Does "essential" have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms for "essential" include "crucial," "necessary," "vital," "indispensable," and "fundamental," though nuances may vary based on context.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Can "essential" be used in a legal context?
Yes, "essential" can be used in legal contexts to refer to elements or conditions that are absolutely necessary for a contract, duty, or right to be enforced or recognized.
Xavier
Mar 08, 2024
What is the adjective form of "essence"?
The adjective form of "essence" is "essential," relating to or denoting the intrinsic or indispensable quality or nature of something.
Smith
Mar 08, 2024
How do you use "essential" in a sentence to indicate necessity?
You can use "essential" followed by "for" or "to" plus a noun or gerund to indicate necessity, e.g., "It's essential for success" or "It's essential to completing the project."
Muazma Batool
Mar 08, 2024
What are "non-essential" items or services?
"Non-essential" items or services refer to those that are not absolutely necessary, especially in contexts where only critical needs are prioritized, such as during emergencies or budget constraints.
Camila
Mar 08, 2024
Can "essential" change meaning based on context?
Absolutely, "essential" can vary in implication depending on context, emphasizing the degree of necessity, centrality to nature, or fundamental importance in different scenarios.
Xavier
Mar 08, 2024
What makes a nutrient "essential"?
A nutrient is considered "essential" if it is necessary for the body to function and cannot be synthesized by the body in adequate amounts, thus must be obtained from the diet.
Maverick
Mar 08, 2024
How do you differentiate "essential" work from "non-essential" work?
"Essential" work refers to tasks or jobs that are crucial for maintaining key societal functions, whereas "non-essential" work may not be critical for immediate survival or functioning.
Bronson
Mar 08, 2024
Is "essential" used differently in medical terminology?
In medical terminology, "essential" can describe conditions or symptoms not caused by another disease (e.g., essential hypertension), emphasizing that they are primary or intrinsic to the individual's health status.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 08, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.