essence

es·sence

noun \ˈe-s^ən(t)s\

Definition of ESSENCE

1

a : the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being b : the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence <a painting that captures the essence of the land> c : the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is

2

: something that exists : entity

3

a (1) : a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume) (2) : a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form; also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute b : odor, perfume

4

: one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form <she was the essence of punctuality>

5

: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person <the essence of the issue>

— in essence

: in or by its very nature : essentially, basically <was in essence an honest person>

— of the essence

: of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>

Examples of ESSENCE

1. The essence of love is unselfishness.
2. The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.
3. The perennial debate about nature and nurture—which is the more potent shaper of the human essence?—is perennially rekindled. —Matt Ridley, Time, 2 June 2003
4. In essence, the positivists were the first sociologists, rejecting both superstition and metaphysics and studying behavior as a natural phenomenon that could be perfected. —Stephan Talty, Mulatto America, 2003
5. I had come to Orange Cove on a statewide tour, looking for the essence of Latino life in a changing California and a good bowl of the Mexican stew … —Joe Rodriguez, San Jose Mercury News, 20 May 2003

Origin of ESSENCE

Middle English essencia, from Latin essentia, from esse to be — more at is

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ESSENCE

Synonyms: being, essentiality, nature, quiddity, quintessence, soul, stuff, substance, name of the game

Related Words: heart, spirit; alpha and omega, center, core, keynote, marrow, pith, seat; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification; aspect, attribute, feature, property; gist, kernel, nub

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Fashion Terms

bodkin, chignon, cowlick, eau de toilette, imperial, pocket, pomander, tonsorial