essential
word
/ɛˈsɛnʃəɫ/
i-SEN-shuhl
/ɪsˈɛnʃəl/
i-SEN-shuhl
Definition
Extremely important and necessary; something that you must have or cannot do without.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with 'for' ('essential for success') or 'to' ('essential to life'). Not the same as 'necessary'—'essential' is stronger, meaning absolutely required. Used for both concrete things (water, documents) and abstract concepts (skills, qualities).
Spanish: esencial - fundamental - imprescindiblePortuguese (BR): essencial - fundamental - indispensávelPortuguese (PT): essencial - fundamental - indispensávelChinese (Simplified): 必需的 - 关键的 - 基本的Chinese (Traditional): 必須的 - 關鍵的 - 基本的Hindi: आवश्यक - अनिवार्य - ज़रूरीArabic: أساسي - ضروريBengali: অপরিহার্য - অত্যাবশ্যকRussian: необходимый - обязательныйJapanese: 不可欠な - 必要不可欠なVietnamese: thiết yếu - cần thiết (rất quan trọng)Korean: 필수적인 - 꼭 필요한Turkish: gerekli - vazgeçilmez - elzemUrdu: لازمی - ضروریIndonesian: esensial - sangat penting
Example Sentences
It is essential to bring your passport.
basic
Good communication is essential in any relationship.
natural
Don't forget the essential details when you fill out the form.
natural
Having a good night's sleep is essential if you want to feel energetic tomorrow.
natural
Eating vegetables is essential for good health.
basic
Water is essential for life.
basic