adj
essential
ih-SEHN-shuhl
adj
1
Absolutely necessary; unable to be done without.
"Clean water is essential for survival."
"A good night's sleep is essential before an exam."
noun
1
A basic item or ingredient that is necessary.
"She packed only the essentials for the weekend trip."
How to Use Essential
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you truly cannot do without, or (as a noun) one of the basic necessary things.
Common pairings
essential oil
absolutely essential
the essentials
essential reading
Word Forms
more essential comparative, essentials plural, most essential superlative
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Clean water is _____ for survival.
Etymology
From Late Latin essentialis, built on essentia, "essence" — literally, relating to the core being of a thing.