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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

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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › essentialEssential Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › essential

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   The meaning of ESSENTIAL is of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent. How to use essential in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Essential.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryESSENTIAL | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   essential adjective (BASIC) relating to something's or someone's basic or most important qualities: I love the building as it is, and don't want to do anything to change its essential character. She believes in the essential goodness of human beings. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples.

4. www.dictionary.com › browse › essentialESSENTIAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › essential

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   noun. a basic, indispensable, or necessary element; chief point: Concentrate on essentials rather than details. essential. / ɪˈsɛnʃəl; ɪˌsɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ / adjective. vitally important; absolutely necessary. basic; fundamental. the essential feature. completely realized; absolute; perfect. essential beauty.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishESSENTIAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   ESSENTIAL definition: 1. necessary or needed: 2. relating to something's or someone's basic or most important qualities…. Learn more.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishESSENTIAL definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   4 days ago · 1. adjective. Something that is essential is extremely important or absolutely necessary to a particular subject, situation, or activity. It was absolutely essential to separate crops from the areas that animals used as pasture. As they must also sprint over short distances, speed is essential.

7. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › EssentialEssential - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › Essential

   Definitions of essential. adjective. basic and fundamental. “the essential feature” synonyms: crucial, important. of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis. basal, primary. of primary importance. biogenic. essential for maintaining the fundamental life processes. constituent, constitutional, constitutive, organic.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishessential adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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

9. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishESSENTIAL | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   B1. very important and necessary: Computers are an essential part of our lives. Fibre is essential for a healthy digestive system. [ + to do sth ] It is essential to arrive early for the show. [ + (that) ] It is absolutely essential that she gets this message. Fewer examples. A balanced diet is essential for healthy growth.

10. www.dictionary.com › browse › essential%23ESSENTIAL Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

    www.dictionary.com › browse › essential%23

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    Essential definition: absolutely necessary; indispensable. See examples of ESSENTIAL used in a sentence.

11. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_englishessential adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

    www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_english

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    essential. adjective. /ɪˈsɛnʃl/. completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity synonym vital an essential part/ingredient/component of something essential services such as gas, water, and electricity Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.