essence

noun

es·​sence ˈe-sᵊn(t)s 

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

: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person

the essence of the issue

3

: one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form

She was the essence of punctuality.

4

a(1)

: 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

(2)

: a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume)

b

: odor, perfume

5

: something that exists : entity

see also:

in essence of the essence

Synonyms of essence

• nature
• substance
• soul
• manifestation

Examples of essence in a Sentence

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

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

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

The essence of love is unselfishness.

The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the years, people have debated what constitutes authenticity in metal, raising the question in turn of what the essence of metal should really be. —Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026

Juliet is arguing that Romeo’s name is merely a label that does not define his essence. —Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Such engravings, which depict the wackily maximalist style à la mode, including oodles of feathers and furbelows, were, in essence, early precursors to modern fashion magazines. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

But the soul and spirit of [the films and] the essence of the themes of those films, and the kids and all the artisans and the crafts people. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing essence

• in essence
• of the essence
• pearl essence

Rhymes for essence

• pubescence
• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence

Kids Definition

essence

noun

es·​sence ˈes-ən(t)s 

1

: the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is

the essence of love is unselfishness

2

: a substance physically or chemically separated from another substance (as a plant or drug) and having the special qualities (as odor) of the original substance

essence of peppermint

3

: the scent of something usually sweet-smelling

Medical Definition

essence

noun

es·​sence ˈes-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: a substance considered to possess in high degree the predominant qualities of a natural product (as a plant or drug) from which it is extracted (as by distillation or infusion)

2

a

: essential oil

b

: an alcoholic solution especially of an essential oil

essence of peppermint

c

: an artificial preparation (as an alcoholic solution of one or more esters) used especially in flavoring

d

: elixir

Legal Definition

essence

noun

es·​sence ˈes-ᵊns 

1

: the real or ultimate nature of a thing : the properties that make a thing what it is

his award is legitimate only so long as it draws its essence from the collective bargaining agreement

—United Steel Workers v. Enterprise Wheel and Car Corp., 363 U.S. 593 (1960)

see also essence test

2

: the predominant purpose of a thing

the essence of the contract