essential
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.completely necessary for something to happen or succeed.
adj.absolutely necessary or indispensable for the completion or success of a task or process.
Simple“Good communication is essential for a healthy relationship.”
In context“Thorough market research is essential to the success of any new business venture in such a competitive landscape.”
Usageoften followed by the preposition 'to' or 'for'
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the most basic and important part of something.
adj.relating to the essence or fundamental nature of a person, thing, or concept.
Simple“The essential difference between the two cars is the engine size.”
In context“The artist's work captures the essential spirit of the countryside without relying on traditional landscape techniques.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.describing a nutrient that your body needs but cannot make itself, so you must eat it.
adj.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.
Simple“Leafy greens provide many of the essential vitamins our bodies need.”
In context“There are nine essential amino acids that humans must obtain through their diet because the body lacks the metabolic pathways to produce them.”
Usagefrequently used in the phrases 'essential amino acids' or 'essential oils'
Teacher's tipIn biology, 'essential' has a very specific meaning regarding synthesis rather than just being 'important'.
SynonymsAntonymsnon essential - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a basic thing that you cannot live or work without.
n.a fundamental element or a basic necessity required for a particular purpose.
Simple“We only packed the essentials like water, a map, and a first-aid kit.”
In context“The relief agency focused on providing essentials such as clean water and temporary shelter to the displaced families.”
Usageusually used in the plural form 'essentials'
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage essential services · essential health · essential for
From Late Latin essentiālis, from Latin essentia (“being, essence”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.