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Intermediate Dictionary
       

es·sen·tial

essential

 
 
pronunciation:
ih sen shl
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition: necessary, needed.
Flour is an essential part of bread.
synonyms:
basic, fundamental, indispensable, necessary, vital
antonyms:
unnecessary
similar words:
central, critical, crucial, imperative, key, primary, principal
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: something that is absolutely necessary.
Food and water are essentials of life.
synonyms:
necessity
similar words:
need, obligation, requirement
definition 2: an important or basic thing.
A strong voice is an essential for actors.
synonyms:
base, basic, foundation, fundamental
similar words:
attribute, characteristic, element, quality, trait
derivation: essentially (adv.)
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