essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

ESSENTIAL meaning: 1. necessary or needed: 2. relating to something's or someone's basic or most important qualities…. Learn more.

Define essential. essential synonyms, essential pronunciation, essential translation, English dictionary definition of essential. adj. 1. Constituting or being part of the nature or essence of something; inherent: "In that era of general good will ... few Americans doubted the...

Essential (noun): Fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone. "Essential" commonly refers to something that is vital or necessary to the functioning or well-being of a system, process, or living being.

Essential, inherent, intrinsic refer to that which is in the natural composition of a thing. Essential suggests that which is in the very essence or constitution of a thing: Oxygen and hydrogen are essential in water.

ESSENTIAL definition: absolutely necessary; indispensable. See examples of essential used in a sentence.

Something that is essential is extremely important or absolutely necessary to a particular subject, situation, or activity. It was absolutely essential to separate crops from the areas that animals used as pasture. As they must also sprint over short distances, speed is essential.

Essential means very basic or necessary. A good frying pan is one of a short list of kitchen essentials every cook must have. To prevent fires, it's essential to turn off appliances before leaving the house. The adjective essential is often followed by to or that: It is essential to wash your hands. It is essential that you dry them after.