essential1 adjectiveessential2 noun
essentiales‧sen‧tial1 /ɪˈsenʃəl/ ●●● S3 W2 adjective 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Calcium is essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones.
- If you're going hiking in the mountains, a decent pair of boots is essential.
- If you're going walking in the mountains, strong boots are essential.
- It's essential that you wear protective clothing in this area.
- It is essential that the oil is checked every 10,000 km.
- It is essential to read any document carefully before you sign it.
- The essential difference between this class and other French classes is that this is intended for business people.
- The essential point is that you both need to treat each other with much more respect.
- The layer of fat on the baby seal's body is essential to its survival.
- The tourist industry is now acknowledged as an essential part of the Spanish economy.
- What is the essential difference between these two books?
- A second essential component in all such programmes is winning over local people.
- But Silber and the others have identified one essential ingredient: abhorrence for the status quo.
- Cleaners are the most essential, the most unseen, apparently the least powerful of modern capitalism's new working class.
- In undermining the notion of essential truth, however, Nietzsche also undermines the notion of an essential self.
- Quick personal decisions are essential for success in an entrepreneurial business.
- The structure of levels was an essential part of the National Curriculum from its inception.
- They consider that an exchange of information on this problem is an essential prerequisite.
- This follow-up is essential in ward teaching, but poor facilities often make it difficult to achieve without interruption.
THESAURUS
extremely important and necessary: · Water is essential for life.· The right to protest is an essential part of any democracy.· I missed out an essential ingredient.· They learn skills that are essential for success in later life.
extremely important and necessary. Vital sounds stronger than essential: · His evidence was vital to the defence case.· Nurses and police officers provide vital services.· It is vital that leaking gas pipes are fixed immediately.
extremely important and making the difference between success and failure: · Advertising is crucial to successful book selling.· The headteacher has played a crucial role in transforming this school.
if someone or something is indispensable, you cannot do something without them and they are extremely useful: · She soon made herself indispensable in the office.· Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.
informal used when recommending something to someone and saying that they should definitely have it, do it, visit it etc: · Virus checkers are a must for computer users concerned with security.· If you’re in Austria, a visit to Salzburg is a must.
Longman Language Activatormore important or necessary than anything else more important or necessary than anything else: · The government regards housing as a basic need.· The basic ingredients of this cake are eggs, flour, and butter.· I can't really speak Spanish, I just know a few basic words.· basic human rights· In addition to teaching basic academic skills, we offer a large variety of activities for students.basic to: · Water -- indeed, everything basic to life here -- must be brought in by truck.
more important or necessary than anything else -- use this especially about things such as principles, duties, or beliefs: · the fundamental beliefs of Christianity· Raising your child to tell the difference between right and wrong is one of the fundamental tasks of parenthood.fundamental to: · Water is fundamental to survival.
: essential difference/feature/point etc the most important difference, feature etc people should pay most attention to: · The essential difference between this class and other French classes is that this is intended for business people.· The essential point is that you both need to treat each other with much more respect.
a subject, idea etc that is central gets more attention, time etc than others because it is more important than them: · The central theme of this novel is the desire for money.· Political rights have always been the central concern of feminism.· The use of weapons became the central issue dividing the tribes.central to: · The right to vote is central to our democratic system of government.
: underlying reason/cause/aim etc the most important reason, aim etc but one that is not easy to see: · When treating any health problem, it's always important to consider the underlying causes.· The underlying factor in almost all suicides is the feeling of hopelessness.
important and necessary something that is important should be given special attention because it is very necessary: · Young children should be given a healthy diet - that's very important.it's important to do something: · It is important to read the instructions carefully before you start.it is important that: · It is important that everyone understands the risks involved in this plan.
something that is vital is very important and necessary, and if it is not done or dealt with correctly there could be serious problems: · nurses, police officers and other workers who provide vital servicesvital to: · His evidence was vital to the defence case.it is vital that: · It is vital that leaking gas pipes are fixed immediately.
extremely important to the existence, health, safety etc of someone or something: · Emergency services such as medical supplies must be maintained at all times.essential to: · The layer of fat on the baby seal's body is essential to its survival.it is essential that: · It's essential that you wear protective clothing in this area.
something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything that happens afterwards depends on it: · Crucial decisions had to be made, involving millions of dollars.· The crucial factor in their relationship was their unshakeable faith in each other.
necessary if something is necessary , you need to have it or do it: · He produced the necessary documents and handed them to her.necessary for: · Fats in our diet are necessary for both heat and energy.if necessary (=if it is necessary): · If necessary, we will have to employ some outside people to finish the job.it is necessary (for somebody) to do something formal: · It will be necessary to close the pool while the repairs take place.· The doctor says it may be necessary for me to have an operation.
if something is essential , you need it because you cannot be successful, healthy, safe etc without it: · If you're going hiking in the mountains, a decent pair of boots is essential.· The tourist industry is now acknowledged as an essential part of the Spanish economy.essential for: · Calcium is essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones.it is essential to do something: · It is essential to read any document carefully before you sign it.it is essential that: · It is essential that the oil is checked every 10,000 km.
if something is vital , it is extremely important and you will have serious problems if you do not have it or do it: · In this job, the ability to remain calm is vital.· The European Space Agency said that a vital piece of equipment on the craft had stopped functioning.vital for: · Regular exercise is vital for your health.it is vital that: · It is vital that you keep accurate tax records.
someone or something that is indispensable is extremely useful and it is almost impossible to do something without them: · If you're planning on going sightseeing around the old city, a guide is indispensable.indispensable to: · The book will be indispensable to anyone who wishes to learn more about the British Royal Family.
if something is a necessity , you must have it for your job or for your life, and it is not something that you only have for pleasure: · For most people, a good guidebook is a necessity when travelling.· If you live in a place like London, a car alarm is an absolute necessity.
informal if you say that something such as a book, film, or type of clothes is a must , you mean that people must read, see, or wear it, because it is very fashionable, enjoyable, interesting etc - used especially in advertisements and magazines: · If you're interested in the early history of aviation, this book is a must.be a must for somebody: · Ankle boots are a must for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest fashions this autumn.
also requisite formal necessary for a particular purpose, especially according to a law or rule: · They failed to submit their plans in the required time limit.· If the proposed piece of legislation fails to get the requisite two-thirds majority in Parliament, it cannot become law.required for: · In my opinion, she does not have the qualifications required for the job.· Research and writing have become requisite for career advancement in academia.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1nouns
Her bag was light, packed with only the bare essentials. Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. the essential services (=the police, hospitals, fire service, and organizations that provide basic things such as water, gas, or electricity)
· You can get essential travel information from the website.
· The journal is essential reading for doctors.
(=organizations such as the police or the fire or health service)· The law prohibits workers in essential services from striking.
adverbs· It is absolutely essential to keep this information secret.
verbs· These measures are seen as essential for national security.
· During the summer, air conditioning is considered essential.
phrases· Antibiotics play an essential role in controlling infection.
Meaning 2nouns· Hard work is the essential element of his success.
· Most people believe that love is an essential ingredient in a marriage.
· The essential difference between the two boats lies in the design of the hull.
· The essential point is that all children should have an equal opportunity to study.
· A free press is an essential feature of a democracy.
· Controlling inflation is an essential component of the government’s economic strategy.
· The essential nature of stem cells is that they are the source of all other cells in the body.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Her bag was light, packed with only the bare essentials.· An essential characteristic of good teaching is that it must create interest in the learner.
(=a very basic one)· The fundamental differences between the two sides slowly emerged.
(=necessary so that something can happen or exist)· Her determination is a vital element of her success.
· A compass is essential equipment when hiking.
· The country had problems paying for its essential imports.
· Salt was an important item in the Roman economy.
Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. (=an extremely important and necessary part)· A ceasefire in the region is an essential part of any peace process.
· The Council has agreed to carry out essential repairs to the fencing.
· Confidence is an essential requirement for success.
· Every member of the team has a vital role to play.
the essential services (=the police, hospitals, fire service, and organizations that provide basic things such as water, gas, or electricity)· The book teaches you the basic vocabulary that you need to know when you're on holiday.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· This is going to be a long and difficult task; difficult, but in my view, absolutely essential.· Painstaking accuracy was not absolutely essential to the needs of agriculture, however.· But it is absolutely essential that these reforms are directed from within, according to the wishes of the Association's own members.· One Systern now being scrutinized is absolutely essential for the proper wiring up of neurons in the brain of the developing fetus.· Strong management commitment to the expert system project is absolutely essential.· Bracing the right leg and hip during the backswing is absolutely essential.· I am very grateful to you for your continuing support of this special second collection, which is absolutely essential at present.· He stuck rigidly to his statement that what had been done was absolutely essential in the best interests of the children.
· Cleaners are the most essential, the most unseen, apparently the least powerful of modern capitalism's new working class.· To us, this is the most essential idea you must carry with you during your search for a business partner.· Green is the most essential colour in the garden, because without it other colours would be diminished.· But they should be held to the barest and most essential minimum.· The last is the most essential step of all.· Here's our guide to the most essential.· The most essential ticket punch of all is combat command.
· This is why a national lead is so essential.· Can you take the peripatetic lifestyle that many entrepreneurs find so essential?· Egan's four-stage problem management model, so essential in basic training, is also regarded as applicable to management problems.· Far more career plans reflected concerns for acquiring the strategy and related client skills so essential to advancement within the firm.· An understanding of it is not so essential as that of the working of precedent.· This was not so essential 40 years ago.· It needs an elephant to explain why catalysts are so essential.· We need to ask why meetings are so essential.
NOUN· To help the learner, complex examples should be reduced to the essential characteristics and differences emphasised.· Within the sacred whole, change, subjectivity, and diversity are essential characteristics of the natural world.· The essential characteristic of Byzantine dome construction is that such a dome is supported upon and covers a square form.· There are four essential characteristics of the scientific method: 1.· Constitutions there have certain essential characteristics, none of them found in Britain.· But all these leaders share certain essential characteristics.· The essential characteristics of national elections in the United States and Britain are contrasted in Table 5.1.· The essential characteristics of those who work to create profit in return for wages have remained the same despite surface changes since Marx.
· It must be designed to constitute an essential component of those forces making for positive change in our country.· Alternative Concepts of Accountability Public accountability is a essential component for the functioning of our political system.· Mathematical and language skills unite in the understanding of logic and reasoning, an essential component of mature intelligence.· A second essential component in all such programmes is winning over local people.· The principle of exchange is urged as an essential component of the system.· An essential component of any local management scheme is the staff training which precedes its introduction and continues throughout its operation.
· This has led to the argument that there is no essential difference between debt and tax finance.· The market-based economies and private ownership in Western democracies make an essential difference in the scope and application of the centralization concepts.· The essential difference between single-step selection and cumulative selection is this.· And in that there lies an essential difference between the painters and the poets here.· The essential difference between free email and its paid for counterpart is that the email service is provided through a Web interface.· Whether they made an essential difference is another story, but I tend to think that everything counts.· Even so, there is one essential difference which is that the determinant factor is specified in advance of testing by economic theory.· This is the essential difference between anthropology and Darwinism.
· An essential element is good communication between the people involved, particularly in those stages where responsibility is joint.· They are an essential element in the management process and they provide the means of participation of various interests.· Finding the right message for Clinton was an essential element in his ultimate success.· These are essential elements in communication, and discourse is realized through them.· Training in modern management practices is also an essential element of economic reform. 18.· There are six essential elements of a valid lease: 1.· But were the essential elements of first-degree murder present-malice and premeditation?
· Electricity services are an essential feature of modern society.· S summarizes the essential features of the time dependences incorporated into the study.· This lets you connect two workstations to the card, and essential feature in a bus topology.· At the heart of the difficulty of delineating clearly the essential features of the Constitution is its ever-changing nature.· By stripping concrete objects of their less essential features, they become less involved and hence more amenable to mathematical treatment.· The essential features of these books, as far as a student is concerned, are given in the table.· An example might highlight the essential features of the system.· He becomes one of the essential features of a good detective story-a victim whose death readers do not mourn.
· This book will provide essential information on parasitic helminth communities for all those involved and interested in parasitology and community ecology.· Johns Manville suppressed research on the evidence and concealed essential information from its workers.· Temporary leaflet only means of supplying essential information.· Beyond this, the local studies collection in the public reference library will be a source of essential information.· Furthermore, Picasso was anxious to present in each image as much essential information about the subject as he could.· The solution displays all the essential information on depths, times and decompression requirements.· Each candidate is issued with a quality, custom designed file which contains the course programme and essential information.· This is fairly essential information to have.
· Wait, though; didn't we encounter the same essential ingredients in the quiche?· The tasks of selecting, evaluating, rewarding, and even terminating subordinates are essential ingredients of position power.· An essential ingredient of this is the ability to categorise each patient by disease type or treatment group.· We believe emotional support is an essential ingredient for every laboring woman.· The intimacy between couples who take an interest in each other is an essential ingredient of a lasting marriage.· Happy Market, a glossary with color images of essential ingredients.· Suitable source rocks, the remaining essential ingredient for a petroleum prospect, are expected but have yet to be proved.· The unions claim that contented, well-paid workers are an essential ingredient of productivity, and so they are.
· Careful instruction in the use of metered dose inhalers is an essential part of educating asthmatic patients.· From the start, the physical setting was an essential part of the Black Mountain experience.· The structure of levels was an essential part of the National Curriculum from its inception.· She considers thin distinction between the pure and the impure an essential part of social order.· Cristofori and Walter Both the action of Cristofori and that of Walter have four essential parts.· People left essential parts of themselves on the shore.· Sachs J said that mens rea was an essential part of this type of manslaughter.· One explanation is that dreaming is an essential part of our adaptation to the demands of the world we face.
· The essential point is that real interest rates effectively determine the cost of housing to the homebuyer.· Where should you put that ill-fitting but essential point?· His deceptively simple judgments dealt only with the essential points, stated the law tersely and clearly, and rarely provoked dissent.· This is an essential point to which I return in the concluding chapter.· Summarize your essential points on one page.· This raises a subtle but essential point.· Just the essential points - not an essay! 2.· His essential point, that those who hold information hold power, is absolutely correct.
· We all have an essential role in this.· Give major credit to Christopher for helping guide the president in that essential role.· Government can play an essential role as a catalyst and in establishing the framework in which successful technology transfer can be achieved.· I believe that they provide one pointer, indicating a certain essential role for quantum mechanics in the understanding of mental phenomena.· These topics are important, but instrumental analytical chemistry plays an essential role in analysis these days and needs better coverage.· Both therefore see special educational provision as having an essential role to play in bringing about changes in mainstream education.· Even more important, major services play an essential role in conditioning the quality of labour in the so-called market sector.· The majority of such theories are concerned only with those economies in which money does not play an essential role.
· Public policy should redistribute income and subsidise, if not deliver directly, essential services such as education and health.· Government finances are strained to the hilt dealing with essential services.· Only islanders and essential services are allowed to bring vehicles on to Iona.· Disaster-relief loans like those following the Northridge Earthquake are still being made because they are considered essential services.· Whitehall officials have encountered difficulties in deciding which essential services to include.· What essential services have to be provided and what essential investments have to be made?· In the capital, Buenos Aires, urban transport was seriously hit but essential services were maintained.· The essential services have no statutory right of entry unless there is an emergency.
· A good deal of essential work has been carried out.· The essential work of the administrative structure is the implementation of policy.· The fragility of those relationships underlines the essential work done by the charity.· Moreover they could always use family labour or import casual labour to carry out any essential work.
WORD FAMILYnounessenceessentials ≠ inessentialsadjectiveessential ≠ inessentialadverbessentially
1extremely important and necessaryessential for/to A good diet is essential for everyone.it is essential (that) It is essential that our pilots be given the best possible training.it is essential to do something It is essential to book in advance. Window locks are fairly cheap and absolutely essential. Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.► see thesaurus at important, necessary2the essential part, quality, or feature of something is the most basic one SYN fundamental: The essential difference between Sam and me was the fact that I took life seriously. The essential point of relay racing is that it is a team effort.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1nounsessential information· You can get essential travel information from the website.essential reading· The journal is essential reading for doctors.essential services (=organizations such as the police or the fire or health service)· The law prohibits workers in essential services from striking.adverbsabsolutely/really essential· It is absolutely essential to keep this information secret.verbsbe seen/regarded as essential· These measures are seen as essential for national security.be considered/deemed essential· During the summer, air conditioning is considered essential.phrasesplay/perform an essential role in something· Antibiotics play an essential role in controlling infection.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2nounsthe essential element· Hard work is the essential element of his success.an essential ingredient· Most people believe that love is an essential ingredient in a marriage.an essential difference· The essential difference between the two boats lies in the design of the hull.the essential point· The essential point is that all children should have an equal opportunity to study.an essential feature· A free press is an essential feature of a democracy.an essential component· Controlling inflation is an essential component of the government’s economic strategy.the essential nature of something· The essential nature of stem cells is that they are the source of all other cells in the body.THESAURUSessential extremely important and necessary: · Water is essential for life.· The right to protest is an essential part of any democracy.· I missed out an essential ingredient.· They learn skills that are essential for success in later life.vital extremely important and necessary. Vital sounds stronger than essential: · His evidence was vital to the defence case.· Nurses and police officers provide vital services.· It is vital that leaking gas pipes are fixed immediately.crucial extremely important and making the difference between success and failure: · Advertising is crucial to successful book selling.· The headteacher has played a crucial role in transforming this school.indispensable if someone or something is indispensable, you cannot do something without them and they are extremely useful: · She soon made herself indispensable in the office.· Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.something is a must informal used when recommending something to someone and saying that they should definitely have it, do it, visit it etc: · Virus checkers are a must for computer users concerned with security.· If you’re in Austria, a visit to Salzburg is a must.essential1 adjectiveessential2 noun
essentialessential2 noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The budget provides money for food, transportation, and other essentials.
- But also, the principle of parsimony should be used to keep the research down to essentials.
- Her bag was light now, only packed with the bare essentials.
- In any conference or special event there are certain essentials.
- Leg infantry has to carry every item they will need, and that means only the barest of essentials.
- Now it was down to essentials.
- She had packed two cases with clothes, towels and essentials.
Longman Language Activatorthe most important things
things that are important because they are necessary for life or for doing something: · The refugees were provided with the essentials -- food and shelter, but nothing more.bare essentials (=the most necessary things): · We don't have much room for luggage so we're only taking the bare essentials.
the most necessary things that you need to know, understand, have etc before you can understand or do something: · You have to understand the basics before you can move on to more advanced work.
the main ideas in a speech, piece of writing etc the main ideas or the basic meaning of a speech, piece of writing etc: · I made a few notes of the main points I wanted to cover in the speech.· The following article explains four key points that all new investors should understand.
the general meaning of a speech, argument, piece of writing etc, without all the details: the gist of: · The gist of the article is that children should have more rights in deciding their own futures.get the gist (=understand the general meaning): · I couldn't hear everything they said but I got the gist.
the main aim or purpose of an argument, speech, or political action: · The whole thrust of the US policy was to isolate Cuba.· The thrust of the case is whether the federal law overrides the state ban.
the most important facts or ideas in a statement, for example in a description of events or a set of arguments or opinions: · When reduced to their essentials, most religions are not so different.essentials of: · She was always very quick to grasp the essentials of an opponent's argument.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY We only had the bare essentials (=the most necessary things).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Her bag was light, packed with only the bare essentials. Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. the essential services (=the police, hospitals, fire service, and organizations that provide basic things such as water, gas, or electricity)
We only had the bare essentials (=the most necessary things). Her bag was light, packed with only the bare essentials.· An essential characteristic of good teaching is that it must create interest in the learner.
(=a very basic one)· The fundamental differences between the two sides slowly emerged.
(=necessary so that something can happen or exist)· Her determination is a vital element of her success.
· A compass is essential equipment when hiking.
· The country had problems paying for its essential imports.
· Salt was an important item in the Roman economy.
Engineers are carrying out essential maintenance work on the main line to Cambridge. (=an extremely important and necessary part)· A ceasefire in the region is an essential part of any peace process.
· The Council has agreed to carry out essential repairs to the fencing.
· Confidence is an essential requirement for success.
· Every member of the team has a vital role to play.
the essential services (=the police, hospitals, fire service, and organizations that provide basic things such as water, gas, or electricity)· The book teaches you the basic vocabulary that you need to know when you're on holiday.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Learn how to distil large quantities of information into their bare essentials. 7.· Reduced to the bare essentials, the divergent internal performance patterns looked like the figure on page 264.· Despite a lifestyle stripped to the bare essentials, they are also some of the most visually arresting animals in the desert.· Leg infantry has to carry every item they will need, and that means only the barest of essentials.· Her bag was light now, only packed with the bare essentials.· Yet Gloria herself never seemed to hold on to more than the bare essentials that they had in their two paper carriers.· Now, she was stripped down to the bare essentials of her person, trying to deal with her knowledge.· But even with only the barest essentials, the list is as long as my arm.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1[countable usually plural] something that is necessary to do something or in a particular situation SYN necessity: - the essentials of English grammar
- But the self-made billionaire is an autocrat who seems not to understand the essentials of democracy.
- For Ure, however, special expertise is less important than the essentials of contact and clout.
- He reduced this approach to six principles, which make a good summary of the essentials of political Realism.
- In contrast, the sea leaves no marks and man can then contemplate the essentials of life.
- It will improve their lives by providing the essentials.
- Not a stick of furniture, no anglepoise lamp, but the essentials are there.
- Of course, shows have changed, but the essentials are still in place.
- Second phase With the essentials complete, the second phase of the project - to improve overall appearance, is well under way.
She packed a few essentials. We only had the bare essentials (=the most necessary things).2the essentials [plural] the basic and most important information or facts about a particular subjectessential of We have no reason to doubt the essentials of the girl’s story.