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essential
1: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent2 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 23: idiopathic <essential disease> <essential hypertension> — es·sen·tial·ly  \-ˈsench-lē, -ˈsen-chə-\ adverb — es·sen·tial·ness \-ˈsen-chəl-nəs\ nounsynonyms 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>. Learn more about "essential" and related topics at Britannica.com |