ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vital

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈvaɪtəɫ// UK //vˈaɪtəl// vi·tal General-service

adj. extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or stay alive. You use this when something is so significant that you cannot do without it.

adj. absolutely necessary or essential to the existence, operation, or prosperity of something. Often used to describe a component or action that is indispensable to a larger system.


SIMPLE

Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health.

CONTEXTUAL

The support of local volunteers is vital to the success of the community garden project.

COMPLEX

Maintaining a transparent supply chain is vital for ensuring ethical standards and consumer trust in the global fashion industry.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to' or 'for', or by a 'that' clause using the subjunctive mood in formal contexts.

Pitfall

It is vital for him being thereIt is vital that he be thereWhen expressing necessity with 'vital', formal English requires a 'that' clause with the subjunctive or an infinitive phrase ('vital for him to be there').

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