I. i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 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 -ˈsench-lē, -ˈsen-chə- adverb
• es·sen·tial·ness -ˈsen-chəl-nəs 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
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : something basic
the essential s of astronomy
2. : something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable