essential

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with ESSENTIAL

credential, demential, potential