Main Entry: ¹es·sen·tial

Pronunciation: \i-ˈsen(t)-shəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

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

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>.