n. Function: noun
1 a basic underlying or constituting entity, substance, or form FF1C; succeeds in conveying completely the cruel essence of loneliness FF1E;
Synonyms: being, essentia, essentiality, nature, texture
Related Words: entity, form, substance
2 the most basic, significant, and indispensable element, attribute, quality, property, or aspect of a thing FF1C; the very essence of Machiavellianism is the belief that in politics there is neither good nor evil FF1E;
Synonyms: be-all and end-all, bottom, essentiality, marrow, pith, quintessence, quintessential, rock bottom, root, soul, stuff, substance, virtuality; compare BODY 3 , CENTER 2 , SUBSTANCE 2
Related Words: timber; element, fiber, property; aspect, attribute, quality, spirit; inwardness, significance; crux, gist, kernel, nub, nubbin; distillate, distillation