adjective

essential

essential, vital, fundamental

Water is essential for life.

Water is essential for life.

It is essential to book in advance.

It is essential to book in advance.

The essential problem is a lack of funding.

The essential problem is a lack of funding.

essential ((for sth./sb.)) essential for (sth./sb.) Water is essential for survival.

essential ((to do sth.)) essential to do (sth.) It is essential to act quickly.

Synonyms: vital, crucial, necessary; Antonyms: unimportant, optional

From Latin 'essentia' (essence), which comes from 'esse' (to be). It refers to the very 'being' of something.

Think of the word 'essence'. If something is the 'essence' of a thing, it is 'essential' to it.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.