essence

es-sence · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character.

  2. 2.

    A concentrated extract or preparation containing the fundamental properties of a substance.

  3. 3.

    (Philosophy) The fundamental nature of a thing that makes it what it is.

Forms

plural: essences

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in essence — fundamentally; essentially
  • •
    of the essence — critically important
  • •
    the essence of — the most important quality of
  • •
    capture the essence — to express the fundamental nature of something

Related words

Antonyms: appearance, exterior, surface
See also: core, essential, nature, substance
Synonyms: core, heart, nature, spirit, substance

Etymology

From Latin essentia ("being, essence"), from esse ("to be"), a translation of Greek ousia ("being, essence"). The culinary and perfumery sense developed from the idea of extracting the essential nature of a substance.