essential

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ɪˈsɛn.tʃəl/
• SAMPA: I"sEn.tS@l/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive essential

Comparative more essential

Superlative most essential

1. If something is essential, it is impossible to succeed without it.

   Oxygen is essential for life on earth.

2. If something is essential, it is very important.

   Cooked rice, is the essential element of the Chinese meal prepared south of the Yangtze River.

3. The essential part, idea, or feature is the most basic one.

   The essential nature of skiing is sliding on two skis, but the sport is much more than that.

Synonyms

• important
• key
• main
• vital

Antonyms

• unimportant
• minor