essential

//ɪˈsen.ʃəl//
B2Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of essential

Adjective

essentialCanonical form
more essentialComparative
most essentialSuperlative
1

absolutely necessary; extremely important and needed for something to exist or function properly

Water is essential for all living things.

2

relating to the basic, fundamental, or intrinsic nature of something

Freedom is an essential part of human nature.

Synonym

necessaryvitalcrucialindispensablefundamental

Antonym

unnecessaryoptionaldispensable

Noun

essentialsPlural
1

a thing that is absolutely necessary or fundamental

Food and water are essentials for survival.