Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Es·sen·tial

   /əˈsen(t)SH(ə)l/

   

   adjective

   • 1. absolutely necessary; extremely important: "it is essential to keep up-to-date records" Similar crucialnecessarykeyvitalindispensableneededrequiredcalled forrequisiteimportantall-importantvitally importantof the utmost importanceof great consequenceof the essencecriticallife-and-deathimperativemandatorycompulsoryobligatorycompellingurgentpressingburningacuteparamountpreeminenthigh-prioritysignificantconsequentialOpposite inessentialunimportantoptional
   • ▪ fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone: "the essential weakness of the plaintiff's case" Similar basicinherentfundamentalquintessentialintrinsicunderlyingcharacteristicinnaterudimentaryprimaryprincipalcardinalchiefelementaryelementalcentralpivotalcriticalkeyfocalsalientstaplevitalnecessaryindispensablefoundationalingrainedOpposite secondary
   • ▪ (of an amino acid or fatty acid) required for normal growth but not synthesized in the body and therefore necessary in the diet.
   • 2. (of a disease) with no known external stimulus or cause; idiopathic: "essential hypertension"

   noun

   • 1. a thing that is absolutely necessary: "we had only the bare essentials in the way of gear" Similar necessitynecessary/essential itemprerequisiterequisiterequirementneedconditionpreconditionspecificationstipulationqualificationdesideratumsine qua noninformal:mustOpposite inessential
   • ▪ the fundamental elements or characteristics of something: "he was quick to grasp the essentials of an opponent's argument" Similar fundamentalsbasicsrudimentsprinciplesfirst principlesfoundationspreliminariesgroundworkessencebasiscorekernelnubmarrowmeatcruxbedrockfactshard factspracticalitiesrealitiessine qua noninformal:nitty-grittybrass tacksnuts and boltsABCOpposite minutiae

   Word Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘in the highest degree’): from late Latin essentialis, from Latin essentia (see essence).

   Derivatives

   • 1. essentiality noun
   • 2. essentialness noun

   Scrabble Points: 9

   • E

     1

   • S

     1

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • T

     1

   • I

     1

   • A

     1

   • L

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less

2. www.dictionary.com › browse › essentialESSENTIAL Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › essential

   • Cached

   1. See necessary. 2. Essential, inherent, intrinsic refer to that which is in the natural composition of a thing. Essential suggests that which is in the very essence or constitution of a thing: Oxygen and hydrogen are essential in water.

3. www.oed.com › dictionary › essential_adjessential, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford ...

   www.oed.com › dictionary › essential_adj

   • Cached

   In various senses related to essence, n. 1–4. That is such by essence, or in the absolute or highest sense. Separate from or independent of all accidental or circumstantial elements; intrinsic, essential; fundamental. Characterized by, or regarded according to, its form; that is (so and so) in respect of form.

4. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › english › essential_2essential noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › english › essential_2

   • Cached

   Definition of essential noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryessential definition | Cambridge Essential American Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   Definition of essential in Essential American English Dictionary. essential. adjective. us / ɪˈsen·ʃəl/ B1. very important and necessary: Computers are an essential part of our lives. It is absolutely essential that she gets this message. (Definition of essential from the Webster's Essential Mini Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

6. en.bab.la › dictionary › englishessential - Definition in English - bab.la

   en.bab.la › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   UK /ɪˈsɛnʃl/ adjective 1. absolutely necessary; extremely important (with infinitive) it is essential to keep up-to-date records fibre is an essential ingredient of our diet (attributive) fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone the essential weakness of the plaintiff's case (of an amino acid or fatty acid) required for n...

7. www.wordsmyth.netessential | Dictionaries and vocabulary tools for English ...

   www.wordsmyth.net

   • Cached

   Definition of essential. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

8. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › essentialnessEssentialness Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › essentialness

   • Cached

   1. : of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent. 2. a. : of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary. an essential requirement for admission to college. b. : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet.