adjective / noun
essential
ih-SEN-shul/ɪˈsenʃl/
Necessary or fundamental to something.
The key is essential for opening the locked door.
Etymology
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
Overpriming can lead to excessive carbonation and foaming in your bottles. Measuring priming sugar carefully is essential for a balanced brew.
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.