vital
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or exist.
essential to the existence, operation, or prosperity of something; indispensable.
Simple“Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship.”
In context“The ambassador played a vital role in the peace negotiations, acting as a bridge between the two opposing factions when talks nearly collapsed.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
needed to stay alive, like your heart or your breath.
necessary to the maintenance of life or the functioning of living organisms.
Simple“The patient's vital organs were monitored closely after the surgery.”
In context“The paramedics worked quickly to protect the victim's vital functions while they prepared for emergency transport to the trauma centre.”
Synonymsbiologicallife sustaining - 03 C1 Advanced
full of energy, life, and excitement.
full of energy, spirit, or vitality; manifesting a lively and vigorous character.
Simple“The city felt vital and alive with music and street performers.”
In context“Despite her advanced age, she remained a vital presence in the community, constantly launching new initiatives to support local artists.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
relating to official records of births, marriages, and deaths.
pertaining to the recording of major life events for legal or statistical purposes.
Simple“You need to provide your vital records, like a birth certificate, for the visa.”
In context“The government department is responsible for maintaining vital statistics, including the registration of all births and deaths within the province.”
UsageAlmost exclusively used in the phrase 'vital statistics' or 'vital records'.
Synonyms
Usage vital waterway · robust vital · vital area
“Keywords are some of the most vital pieces of your searching process.”
“We know sleep, exercise and diet are vital for health.”
From Middle English vital, from Old French vital, from Latin vītālis (“of life, life-giving”), from vīta (“life”), from vīvō (“to live”). Doublet of jiva and quick.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.