essence
word
/ˈɛsəns/
ES-uhns
/ˈɛsəns/
ES-uhns
Definition
The most important quality or basic nature of something. It can also mean a concentrated liquid extract, especially of a flavor or scent.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and philosophical contexts ('the essence of life'). As a noun, it also refers to food flavorings ('vanilla essence'). Confused sometimes with 'essential' (adjective), but 'essence' is always a noun.
Spanish: esencia - extracto (aroma)Portuguese (BR): essência - extrato (aroma)Portuguese (PT): essência - extrato (aroma)Chinese (Simplified): 本质 - 精华 - 香精Chinese (Traditional): 本質 - 精華 - 香精Hindi: सार - अर्क (सुगंध)Arabic: جوهر - خلاصة (عطر)Bengali: সারাংশ - মূলভাব - নির্যাসRussian: суть - сущность - экстрактJapanese: 本質 - エッセンス（香料・抽出液）Vietnamese: bản chất - tinh chất (hương liệu)Korean: 본질 - 정수(추출물)Turkish: öz - esans (aroma özü)Urdu: جوہر - عرق (خلاصہ)Indonesian: inti - esens (ekstrak rasa/aroma)
Example Sentences
The essence of friendship is trust.
basic
Vanilla essence is used in cakes.
basic
We should focus on the essence of the problem.
basic
Freedom is the very essence of democracy.
natural
Some perfumes are made with natural essence from flowers.
natural
Let's not get lost in details and remember the essence of why we're here.
natural