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Definition of essential adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

essential

adjective
 
/ɪˈsenʃl/
 
/ɪˈsenʃl/
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  1. completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity synonym vital
    • an essential part/feature of something
    • an essential element/ingredient/component of something
    • The local government is not able to provide essential services such as gas, water and electricity.
    • Vitamins play an essential role in many body processes.
    • The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.
    • The charity will be taking food and essential supplies to six refugee camps.
    • This book is essential reading for all nature lovers.
    • All events are free, but booking is essential.
    • essential to something Money is not essential to happiness.
    • essential for something Experience is essential for this job.
    • it is essential to do something It is essential to keep the two groups separate.
    • it is essential for somebody/something to do something It is absolutely essential for all those involved in education to be computer-literate
    • it is essential that… It is essential that you have some experience.
    Synonyms essentialessentialvital crucial critical decisive indispensableThese words all describe somebody/​something that is extremely important and completely necessary because a particular situation or activity depends on them.essential extremely important and completely necessary, because without it something cannot exist, be made or be successful:
    • Experience is essential for this job.
    vital essential:
    • The police play a vital role in our society.
    essential or vital?These words have the same meaning but there can be a slight difference in tone. Essential is used to state a fact or opinion with authority. Vital is often used when there is some worry felt about something, or a need to persuade somebody that a fact or opinion is true, right or important. Vital is less often used in negative statements: It was vital to show that he was not afraid.Money is not vital to happiness. crucial extremely important because a particular situation or activity depends on it:
    • It is crucial that we get this right.
    critical extremely important because a particular situation or activity depends on it:
    • Your decision is critical to our future.
    crucial or critical?These words have the same meaning but there can be a slight difference in context. Critical is often used in technical matters of business or science; crucial is often used to talk about matters that may cause worry or other emotions.decisive of the greatest importance in affecting the final result of a particular situation:
    • She has played a decisive role in the peace negotiations.
    indispensable essential; too important to be without:
    • Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.
    Patterns
    • essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical/​decisive/​indispensable for something
    • essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical/​indispensable to something
    • essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical that…
    • essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical to do something
    • a(n) essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical/​decisive/​indispensable part/​factor
    • of vital/​crucial/​critical/​decisive importance
    • absolutely essential/​vital/​crucial/​critical/​decisive/​indispensable
    compare inessential, non-essential opposite dispensable
    Language Bank emphasisemphasisHighlighting an important point
      • This case emphasizes the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
      • The study highlights how important good communication is for an organization.
      • Effective communication skills are essential.
      • Excellent communication skills are crucial for a negotiator.
      • Good communication skills are vital to career success.
      • It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
      • It is important to remember that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
      • An important point to remember is that good communication is a two-way process.
      • Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, the effectiveness with which you listen.
      • I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
      • Choose your words carefully: in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
      • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
    Language Bank vitalvitalSaying that something is necessary
      • It is vital that journalists can verify the accuracy of their reports.
      • Journalists play a vital role in educating the public.
      • Public trust is a crucial issue for all news organizations.
      • The ability to write well is essential for any journalist.
      • The internet has become an indispensable tool for reporters.
      • In journalism, accuracy is paramount.
      • Checking and verifying facts are of paramount importance for any journalist.
      • It is imperative that journalists maintain the highest possible standards of reporting.
    Extra Examples
    • Although useful, the accessories are by no means essential.
    • Diet is crucial; exercise is equally essential.
    • Do you consider these textbooks essential for the course?
    • He believed that some form of religion was essential to human life.
    • Increased competition makes it essential for the business to innovate.
    • It is becoming almost essential for students to have a second language.
    • the skills essential for success
    • Listening to people's concerns is an essential part of my job.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • appear
    • be
    • seem
    adverb
    • really
    • truly
    • very
    preposition
    • for
    • to
    See full entry
  2. [only before noun] connected with the most important aspect or basic nature of somebody/something synonym fundamental
    • The essential difference between Sara and me is in our attitude to money.
    • He describes what he thinks is the essential nature of America.
    • The essential character of the town has been destroyed by the new road.
    • The film captures an essential truth of adolescence
  3. Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘in the highest degree’): from late Latin essentialis, from Latin essentia, from esse ‘be’.
See essential in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee essential in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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