essential
adjective OPAL WOPAL S
/ɪˈsenʃl/
/ɪˈsenʃl/
- an essential part/feature of something
- an essential element/ingredient/component of something
- The local government is not able to provide essential services such as gas, water and electricity.
- Vitamins play an essential role in many body processes.
- The museum is closed while essential repairs are being carried out.
- The charity will be taking food and essential supplies to six refugee camps.
- This book is essential reading for all nature lovers.
- All events are free, but booking is essential.
- essential to something Money is not essential to happiness.
- essential for something Experience is essential for this job.
- it is essential to do something It is essential to keep the two groups separate.
- it is essential for somebody/something to do something It is absolutely essential for all those involved in education to be computer-literate
- it is essential that… It is essential that you have some experience.
Synonyms essentialessentialcompare inessential, non-essential opposite dispensable- vital
- crucial
- critical
- decisive
- indispensable
- essential extremely important and completely necessary, because without it something cannot exist, be made or be successful:
- Experience is essential for this job.
- vital essential:
- The police play a vital role in our society.
- crucial extremely important because a particular situation or activity depends on it:
- It is crucial that we get this right.
- critical extremely important because a particular situation or activity depends on it:
- Your decision is critical to our future.
- decisive of the greatest importance in affecting the final result of a particular situation:
- She has played a decisive role in the peace negotiations.
- indispensable essential; too important to be without:
- Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.
- essential/vital/crucial/critical/decisive/indispensable for something
- essential/vital/crucial/critical/indispensable to something
- essential/vital/crucial/critical that…
- essential/vital/crucial/critical to do something
- a(n) essential/vital/crucial/critical/decisive/indispensable part/factor
- of vital/crucial/critical/decisive importance
- absolutely essential/vital/crucial/critical/decisive/indispensable
Language Bank emphasisemphasisHighlighting an important point- This case emphasizes/highlights the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
- Effective communication skills are essential/crucial/vital.
- It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
- It is important to remember that/An important point to remember is that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
- Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, the effectiveness with which you listen.
- I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
- Choose your words carefully: in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
Language Bank vitalvitalSaying that something is necessary- It is vital that journalists can verify the accuracy of their reports.
- Journalists play a vital/crucial role in educating the public.
- Public trust is a crucial issue for all news organizations.
- The ability to write well is essential for any journalist.
- The internet has become an indispensable tool for reporters.
- In journalism, accuracy is paramount/…is of paramount importance.
- It is imperative that journalists maintain the highest possible standards of reporting.
Extra Examples- Although useful, the accessories are by no means essential.
- Diet is crucial; exercise is equally essential.
- Do you consider these textbooks essential for the course?
- He believed that some form of religion was essential to human life.
- Increased competition makes it essential for the business to innovate.
- It is becoming almost essential for students to have a second language.
- the skills essential for success
- Listening to people's concerns is an essential part of my job.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- appear
- be
- seem
- …
- really
- truly
- very
- …
- for
- to
- The essential difference between Sara and me is in our attitude to money.
- He describes what he thinks is the essential nature of America.
- The essential character of the town has been destroyed by the new road.
- The film captures an essential truth of adolescence
Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘in the highest degree’): from late Latin essentialis, from Latin essentia, from esse ‘be’.