English Reference
noun

essentials

n.
US /ɛˈsɛnʃəɫz/ UK /ɪsˈɛnʃəlz/ es·sen·tials

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the most important things you need to live or to do a specific activity.

    the fundamental items or conditions required for survival or for a particular purpose.

    Simple

    When we went camping, we only packed the essentials like food, water, and a tent.

    In context

    The relief agency focused on delivering essentials such as clean water and medical supplies to the displaced families before addressing long-term infrastructure needs.

    Usage

    Always used in the plural form in this sense.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the most important facts or skills you need to understand a subject.

    the basic principles or fundamental elements of a field of study or a complex topic.

    Simple

    This short course will teach you the essentials of digital photography in one weekend.

    In context

    Before moving on to advanced calculus, students must demonstrate a firm grasp of the essentials of algebraic functions.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

    detailsminutiae
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated