-alis

of, relating to

Forms

-alis
-aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
-al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
-ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective / noun

essential

ih-SEN-shul/ɪˈsenʃl/

Necessary or fundamental to something.

The key is essential for opening the locked door.

A young adult man inserts the matching key into a locked door, showing the key as essential for gaining entry.

Etymology

essentiLatinbeing or essence

+alLatinof, relating to

Essential first described what belongs to something’s essence or constitutes its defining nature. From that came the sense “necessary”: something indispensable, rather than merely an incidental feature.

In context

The Pint Guy1:41

Overpriming can lead to excessive carbonation and foaming in your bottles. Measuring priming sugar carefully is essential for a balanced brew.

What Brewing Tips Help Prevent Foaming Issues in Homebrewing? | The Pint Guy

More examples

Pack only the essentials.
Her contribution was essential to the project's success.
The guide explains the essential steps.

Forms

essential · essentials

essentially adverb — in the most basic respects

Similar words

necessary: Required for a purpose.
fundamental: At the basis of something.