The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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essence

noun

/ˈɛsns/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of essence

The fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of something, often considered its most essential or characteristic aspect.
"The artist captured the essence of the mood in her painting."

Detailed meaning of essence

It represents the core, the heart, or the central identity of a person, object, idea, or concept. The essence of something encapsulates its unique and defining features, distinguishing it from others and highlighting what makes it what it is. This term conveys the idea of the purest and most significant qualities that define the true nature of something. 'Essence' is frequently invoked in philosophical discussions about identity, purpose, and existence, and it is often used to capture the underlying and enduring aspects of life, art, or philosophy that give meaning and depth to our experiences.

Example sentences containing essence

1. The essence of her argument was that all citizens should have equal rights.
2. He captured the essence of the city in his photographs with their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions.
3. The chef added rosemary essence to give the dish a distinctive flavor.
4. The philosopher spoke about the essence of human nature and its inclination towards good or evil.
5. To understand the essence of the novel, it is crucial to analyze the motives of the main characters.
6. The essence of vanilla is often used in baking to add a rich flavor to cakes and cookies.

History and etymology of essence

The noun 'essence' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'essentia,' which is a combination of 'esse,' meaning 'to be,' and the suffix '-entia,' denoting quality or state. In Latin philosophy and metaphysics, 'essentia' referred to the intrinsic nature or being of something, emphasizing the idea that what makes something what it is resides in its essential quality of existence. As the word entered the English language, it retained this fundamental notion, describing the core, intrinsic nature, or most essential and characteristic aspect of something. Thus, 'essence' serves to capture the inherent and defining qualities that make something what it is, echoing its Latin origins in the concept of being and existence.

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Further usage examples of essence

1. She bought a perfume with the essence of jasmine, her favorite scent.
2. The artist felt that his painting captured the essence of the landscape's beauty.
3. The essence of democracy is the participation of the people in governing themselves.
4. The essence of her speech was about empowering young women to pursue their dreams.
5. The room was filled with the refreshing essence of lemon and mint from the diffuser.
6. The spiritual retreat helped him discover the essence of his inner self.
7. The teacher tried to convey the essence of historical events to make the lessons engaging.
8. The extract contained the concentrated essence of several medicinal herbs.
9. The essence of the company's success lay in its ability to innovate and adapt to market changes.
10. Trust is the essence of strong relationships, built on reliability and honesty.
11. The essence of leadership lies in inspiring others toward a common vision.
12. The essence of a good story is its ability to captivate and engage readers.
13. In art, the essence often resides in the emotions it conveys through visuals.
14. Wisdom is found in the essence of life's challenges and lessons.
15. Integrity is the essence of ethical decision-making, rooted in honesty.
16. Empathy is the essence of understanding, fostering compassion for others.
17. The essence of music is its power to convey complex emotions.
18. The essence of a well-made dish is the harmony of flavors it creates.
19. Freedom's essence is the fundamental right to self-determination.