essential
Derived from the Latin word 'essentialis', meaning 'pertaining to essence'.
ADJ
(1)
[/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/en-US]
Antonyms
nonessential
Absolutely necessary or important; forming an indispensable part of something, without which it cannot exist, function, or be understood.
- Water is essential for all living things. — This highlights the fundamental necessity of water.
- A strong immune system is essential for fighting off diseases. — This emphasizes the importance of a healthy immune system.
- It's essential that you bring your passport for international travel. — This indicates a strict requirement for an action.
NOUN
(1)
[/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/en-US]
necesidad
/
elemento crucial
formal
/
concepto esencial
untranslatable
(No direct equivalent as 'essential' as a noun is used less frequently in SPANISH.)
Antonyms
trivial
A fundamental or indispensable item, part, or element. When used in the plural ('the essentials'), it refers to the basic requirements or necessities of life or a particular situation. Unlike in English, where 'an essential' or 'the essentials' is commonly used as a noun, Spanish often conveys this concept using adjectives (e.g., 'lo esencial' - the essential thing) or more descriptive noun phrases (e.g., 'los elementos clave' - the key elements) rather than a direct single noun equivalent for 'an essential'.
| plural |
|---|
| essentials |
- Before you leave, make sure you pack all the essentials, such as your wallet, keys, and phone. — This refers to basic, necessary items.
- Understanding the essentials of programming is crucial for a career in software development. — This points to the fundamental principles or elements of a subject.
- They lived on the bare essentials during their wilderness survival trip. — This means they only had the most basic necessities.