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REFERENCE

vital

adj.
US //ˈvaɪtəɫ// UK //vˈaɪtəl// vi·tal
  1. 1 essential or very important (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or exist.

    essential to the existence, operation, or prosperity of something; indispensable.

    Example

    Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship.

    Example

    The ambassador played a vital role in the peace negotiations, acting as a bridge between the two opposing factions when talks nearly collapsed.
  2. 2 necessary for life (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    needed to stay alive, like your heart or your breath.

    necessary to the maintenance of life or the functioning of living organisms.

    Example

    The patient's vital organs were monitored closely after the surgery.

    Example

    The paramedics worked quickly to protect the victim's vital functions while they prepared for emergency transport to the trauma centre.
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  1. 3 full of energy (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    full of energy, life, and excitement.

    full of energy, spirit, or vitality; manifesting a lively and vigorous character.

    Example

    The city felt vital and alive with music and street performers.

    Example

    Despite her advanced age, she remained a vital presence in the community, constantly launching new initiatives to support local artists.
  2. 4 relating to life records (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    relating to official records of births, marriages, and deaths.

    pertaining to the recording of major life events for legal or statistical purposes.

    Example

    You need to provide your vital records, like a birth certificate, for the visa.

    Example

    The government department is responsible for maintaining vital statistics, including the registration of all births and deaths within the province.

    Usage

    Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'vital statistics' or 'vital records'.
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.

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