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essential

adj. · n.
US //ɛˈsɛnʃəɫ// UK //ɪsˈɛnʃəl// es·sen·tial
  1. 1 necessary (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    completely necessary for something to happen or succeed.

    absolutely necessary or indispensable for the completion or success of a task or process.

    Example

    Good communication is essential for a healthy relationship.

    Example

    Thorough market research is essential to the success of any new business venture in such a competitive landscape.

    Usage

    often followed by the preposition 'to' or 'for'
  2. 2 basic or fundamental (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the most basic and important part of something.

    relating to the essence or fundamental nature of a person, thing, or concept.

    Example

    The essential difference between the two cars is the engine size.

    Example

    The artist's work captures the essential spirit of the countryside without relying on traditional landscape techniques.
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  1. 3 biological requirement (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    describing a nutrient that your body needs but cannot make itself, so you must eat it.

    denoting a nutrient, such as an amino acid or fatty acid, that is required for normal physiological function but cannot be synthesized by the body.

    Example

    Leafy greens provide many of the essential vitamins our bodies need.

    Example

    There are nine essential amino acids that humans must obtain through their diet because the body lacks the metabolic pathways to produce them.

    Usage

    frequently used in the phrases 'essential amino acids' or 'essential oils'

    Teacher's tip

    In biology, 'essential' has a very specific meaning regarding synthesis rather than just being 'important'.
    • non essential
  2. 4 a basic requirement (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a basic thing that you cannot live or work without.

    a fundamental element or a basic necessity required for a particular purpose.

    Example

    We only packed the essentials like water, a map, and a first-aid kit.

    Example

    The relief agency focused on providing essentials such as clean water and temporary shelter to the displaced families.

    Usage

    usually used in the plural form 'essentials'
Origin

From Late Latin essentiālis, from Latin essentia (“being, essence”).

Word family

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