Essential - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Essential means absolutely necessary or extremely important. It describes something that is fundamental, required for a purpose, or cannot be omitted without significant consequences. Example: Water is essential for life.
Definition:
Absolutely necessary, extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity.
Synonyms:
vital, crucial, fundamental, indispensable
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
unnecessary, nonessential
Common Collocations:
essential oils, essential nutrients, essential services, essential reading
Derivatives:
essentially, essentialism
Usage Tips:
Use "essential" to describe something absolutely necessary; avoid overuse by reserving it for critical contexts.
Common Phrases:
essential part of life, essential to success, the bare essentials
Etymology:
From Latin "essentia," meaning "being" or "essence," via Old French "essentiel."
Examples:
- 1. Water is essential for survival.
- 2. Good sleep is essential for health.
- 3. She packed only the essentials for the trip.
- 4. Teamwork is essential in this project.