essential

es-sen-tial · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Absolutely necessary; extremely important.

  2. 2.

    A thing that is absolutely necessary (usually plural).

  3. 3.

    Relating to the fundamental nature of something.

  4. 4.

    (Of oils or substances) Containing the characteristic fragrance or properties of a plant.

Forms

plural: essentials

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    essential oils — concentrated plant extracts used in aromatherapy
  • •
    the bare essentials — only the most basic necessities
  • •
    essential services — critical services that must continue operating

Related words

Antonyms: nonessential, optional, superfluous, unnecessary
See also: essence, fundamental, necessary, vital
Synonyms: crucial, fundamental, indispensable, necessary, vital

Etymology

From Late Latin essentialis, from Latin essentia ("essence, being"), from esse ("to be").