- Main Entry:
- 1es·sen·tial
- Pronunciation:
-
\i-ˈsen(t)-shəl\
- Function:
- adjective
- Date:
- 14th century
1: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent2 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 23: idiopathic <essential disease> <essential hypertension>
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es·sen·tial·ly \-ˈsench-lē, -ˈsen-chə-\ adverb —
es·sen·tial·ness \-ˈsen-chəl-nəs\ noun synonyms 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>.
