essential

¹es·sen·tial

adjective \i-ˈsen(t)-shəl\

Definition of ESSENTIAL

1

: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent

2

a : of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary <an essential requirement for admission to college>

b : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet <dietary protein provides the body with essential amino acids> — compare nonessential 2

3

: idiopathic <essential disease> <essential hypertension>

— es·sen·tial·ly \-ˈsench-lē, -ˈsen-chə-\ adverb

— es·sen·tial·ness \-ˈsen-chəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of ESSENTIAL

1. As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential.
2. Free speech is an essential right of citizenship.
3. The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much.
4. There's no essential difference between the two products.

First Known Use of ESSENTIAL

14th century

Related to ESSENTIAL

Synonyms

all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary, necessitous, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital, of the essence

Antonyms

dispensable, inessential, needless, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded

Related Words

prerequisite; compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, obligatory; consequential, crucial, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty; basic, central, fundamental, key, organic; insistent, persistent, pressing, urgent

Near Antonyms

undesired, unwanted; inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant; excess, external, extra, extraneous, superfluous, surplus

Synonym Discussion of ESSENTIAL

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse <fundamental principles of algebra>. vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.

²essential

noun

Definition of ESSENTIAL

1

: something basic <the essentials of astronomy>

2

: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

Examples of ESSENTIAL

1. <the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude>
2. <this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming>

First Known Use of ESSENTIAL

15th century

Related to ESSENTIAL

Synonyms

condition, demand, must, must-have, necessary, necessity, need, needful, requirement, requisite, sine qua non

Antonyms

nonessential, nonnecessity

Related Words

precondition, prerequisite; advantage, edge, plus; desideration, desideratum, wish

Near Antonyms

amenity, comfort, extra, extravagance, frill, indulgence, luxury, superfluity, surplus, surplusage

Rhymes with ESSENTIAL

credential, demential, potential

es·sen·tial

adjective \i-ˈsen-chəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ESSENTIAL

1

: being, relating to, or containing an essence <an essential odor>

2

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet <essential fatty acids>—compare nonessential

3

: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic <essential disease>