adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' sen(t)-sh ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : of, relating to, or constituting essence : INHERENT
2 a : of the utmost importance : BASIC , INDISPENSABLE , NECESSARY <an essential requirement for admission to college> b : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet <dietary protein provides the body with essential amino acids> ― compare NONESSENTIAL 2
3 : IDIOPATHIC < essential disease> < essential hypertension>
– es · sen · tial · ly \ - ' sench-l ē , - ' sen-ch ə - \ adverb
– es · sen · tial · ness \ - ' sen-ch ə l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms ESSENTIAL , FUNDAMENTAL , VITAL , CARDINAL mean so important as to be indispensable. ESSENTIAL implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. FUNDAMENTAL applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse < fundamental principles of algebra>. VITAL suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. CARDINAL suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.