vi ‧ tal W2 /ˈvaɪtl/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin vitalis 'of life' , from vita 'life' ]
1 . extremely important and necessary for something to succeed or exist SYN crucial :
The work she does is absolutely vital.
vital to
These measures are vital to national security.
vital for
Regular exercise is vital for your health.
it is vital (that)
It is vital that you keep accurate records.
it is vital to do something
It is vital to keep accurate records.
It is vital to be honest with your children.
The tourist industry is of vital importance to the national economy.
Richardson played a vital role in the team’s success.
The samples could give scientists vital information about long-term changes in the earth’s atmosphere.
2 . full of energy in a way that is exciting and attractive:
Rodgers and Hart’s music sounds as fresh and vital as the day it was written.
3 . [only before noun] necessary in order to keep you alive:
the body’s vital processes
vital organs (=heart, lungs etc)
4 . vital signs medical the signs that show someone is alive, for example breathing and body temperature
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ absolutely vital
Vitamins are absolutely vital for good health.
■ nouns
▪ a vital role/part
Nurses play a vital role in hospitals and surgeries.
▪ a vital part/element
Learning to play with other children is a vital part of growing up.
▪ a vital ingredient/component
Involving teachers in making decisions is a vital ingredient in raising morale.
▪ vital information
The radio was a source of vital information on sea and weather conditions.
▪ vital evidence
The vital evidence contained in the file had disappeared.
▪ a vital source of something
The forest was a vital source of timber.
■ phrases
▪ something is of vital importance
Reading is of vital importance in language learning.