essential

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adjective

British English pronunciation: essential

/ɪˈsenʃ(ə)l/

Related dictionary definitions

1
completely necessary
In a large organization, good internal communication is essential.
essential for:
Light is absolutely essential for the healthy development of plants.
essential to:
He had acquired the skills essential to his later success in politics.
it is essential (that):
It is essential that all equipment is properly maintained.
it is essential to do something:
If you want to make major changes, it is essential to involve your staff.
essential reading:
Her articles are essential reading for anyone interested in the war.
play an essential role/part in something:
She has always played an essential part in the smooth running of the business.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of essential
Collocations: essential
▪ characteristic, component, element, feature, ingredient, part, requirement
2
the essential features of something are its most basic and typical features
the essential characteristics of Marxist political thought
The essential difference between us is that I take life seriously.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of essential
1. a.
  most basic and necessary
  essential services such as shops and buses
  food, fuel, and other essential supplies
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of essential
2. b.
  used about the substances that your body needs in order to stay healthy
  essential vitamins/minerals/nutrients
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of essential
See also fundamental

This is the British English definition of essential. View American English definition of essential.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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