# essence

/ˈɛsəns/ (US) · /ˈɛsəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/essence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the core nature

noun · CEFR B2

the most important quality or feature of something that makes it what it is.

For teachers: the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.

- The essence of his argument was that we need to protect the environment for our children.
- The artist managed to capture the very essence of the rugged coastline using only a few bold strokes of charcoal.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'in essence' to summarise a complex point.

### 2. a concentrate

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a strong liquid taken from a plant or food, used for its smell or taste.

For teachers: a concentrated substance or extract obtained from a plant, drug, or foodstuff by distillation or similar processes.

- Add two drops of vanilla essence to the cake mixture for a better flavour.
- The recipe requires a high-quality almond essence, as synthetic substitutes often fail to provide the necessary depth of aroma.

Usage: Commonly used in culinary and pharmaceutical contexts.

### 3. time is of the essence

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to say that something is extremely important and must be done quickly.

For teachers: a fixed idiomatic expression indicating that a particular factor, usually time, is a critical requirement.

- Please send the documents immediately because time is of the essence.
- In emergency surgery, time is of the essence, and every second saved increases the patient's chances of a full recovery.

Teaching tip: This is almost exclusively used with 'time' in professional or legal contexts.

## Examples

- The essence of his argument is that we need more time.
- The artist tried to capture the essence of the city by painting its crowded streets and bright lights.
- In existentialist philosophy, the debate over whether existence precedes essence remains a central theme, questioning whether humans are born with a purpose or create one through action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.