essential

adjective
UK: /ɪˈsenʃəl/
US: /ɪˈsenʃəl/

  1. Necessary or needed.

    1. Water is essential for life.
    2. Having the right tools is essential to completing the job efficiently.

  2. Completely necessary; extremely important.

    1. It is essential to book in advance.
    2. An efficient transport system is essential for the economy to develop.

  3. Relating to the basic nature of someone or something.

    1. Honesty is an essential quality.
    2. The essential difference between the two theories lies in their methodology.

Synonyms

necessary vital critical fundamental basic key crucial indispensable
essential noun

  1. A basic element or necessary part.

    1. Oil is an essential.
    2. Good planning is an essential for success in this project.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "essential" in English means: Necessary or needed., Completely necessary; extremely important., Relating to the basic nature of someone or something..

The phonetic transcription of "essential" is /ɪˈsenʃəl/ in British English and /ɪˈsenʃəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "essential": necessary, vital, critical, fundamental, basic, key, crucial, indispensable.

Example usage of "essential": "Water is essential for life.". More examples on the page.